廣弘明集 24.42

24.42

Recently I heard that you, the dānapati, have set forth a new understanding of the two truths and expounded the choices among the three traditions. Your voice differs from the common rule, and although it does not guide beings rapidly, the treatise has already been completed. Rejoicing in accordance with it fills my heart; beings hold it in extraordinary esteem. Furthermore, I learned that you fear establishing differences from the times and offending the community of scholars, so although the treatise is complete, you are determined not to circulate it. Hearing this, I was alarmed and could not help but be moved to sorrow. The purport of this doctrine does not seem to be heard for the first time: its subtle sound has been interrupted for sixty-seven years, and because its principle is higher than ordinary tunes, none have been able to transmit it. When this poor monk was twenty years of age, I participated in transmitting this doctrine; I always said that relying on this slight awakening one could attain the Way, and privately I always rejoiced. In my youth with no one to share it, I saw elders of Chang'an who mostly said that the eminent worthies of Guanzhong originally had this doctrine. When the regular assemblies for the Dharma flourished, there were originally not many who could deeply grasp this purport. Since it went against ordinary sentiments, later students who heard and received it became exceedingly few, and almost no one transmitted it. Since holding the fly-whisk, I have lectured east and west for more than forty years, mistakenly honored in my time. The lineage of other doctrines is widely seen in school records; only in this path has there been no one within a hundred leagues to attain it. Over the years, this poor monk even fell ill on account of it. Now, with my frail illness uncured, and having to return west day and night, I reflect that this Way will be cut off forever from now on. I never expected that your capacity would be stimulated without prior cause and uniquely originate beyond the world; unexpectedly, this sound has come to my ears. Both joyful and comforted, I truly have nothing with which to compare it. To establish and clarify this doctrine so that the lamp of the Dharma has its seed is truly the foremost merit of practicing the Way. Even if one were to give kingdoms, cities, wives, and children to the Buddha and the Saṅgha, the blessings would not surpass this. Since you have fortunately already compiled it, I think it should conveniently be widely proclaimed so that those who appreciate the tune may see it. In clarifying the principle of the Dharma through a treatise, when it comes to benevolence, one does not yield: how could you mind the hearts of the multitude and lose this extraordinary purport? If this treatise has been completed and then shelved midway, I fear that in the future, you may take this as an obstruction to the Dharma; regarding your past intentions, it is truly no idle chatter. I hope you will quickly copy a manuscript as a gift, which this poor monk may take back west to promote everywhere. Lately I have been slightly able to move about, so I entered the mountains to compose this statement, earnestly looking forward to your conferring it.