廣弘明集 21.11

21.11

Your servant Tong submits: The Attendant to the Imperial Decrees, Bo Fozhang, conveyed the imperial decree, bestowing one water-rhinoceros-horn ruyi scepter to serve as a requisite for doctrinal discussion. The shining lustre of white jade cannot be valued beside this; the upstanding quality of coral is not precious when matched with this. As soon as the carving was complete, it was first conferred upon my mediocre self, as though I had received the hairpin of the Han emperor, or obtained the seal of Zhao Yao. Reverently relying on your majesty's divine power, I shall set it out on the lecture seat, causing the joyful arhat to sigh at casting away his bowl, and the eminent Confucian Wang Shi to break down the eloquence of the black colt. As for the jewel-handled sword decorated with a bear, Cao Pi felt ashamed at such a lavish gift; as for the light whisk of yak hair, Zhang Chang felt humbled by his former customs. This extraordinary favour has been uniquely conferred; I am overwhelmed with gratitude and joy. Unable to bear my humble feelings, I respectfully submit this petition to report. Respectfully submitted.