廣弘明集 24.53

24.53

Your disciple Liu Zhilin bows his head and makes prostration. Foam and lightning pass in an instant; the three characteristics never cease. Suffering, emptiness, and non-self: how could the five aggregates endure? Our venerable master, the Sanghapradhāna, has cast off his lifespan in Jambudvīpa and transferred his spirit to the marvelous bliss. Although by mounting these past plantings of root he will surely ascend to a virtuous realm, human emotion fears transformation, bearing grief and broken by sorrow. Remembering the gravity of one's obligations to teacher, parents, and ruler, I pursue his memory with lamentation and grief; entangled in his eternal departure, the burden is more than my heart can bear. What can be done? What can be done? The Sanghapradhāna's grasp of subtle principles was singularly preeminent, and his knowledge of the scriptures and treatises was deeply thorough. Living on simple vegetables all his life, conditioned activities were almost exhausted for him. Emaciated in his prime, he served as a model for the two assemblies. How could he merely be the foremost leader of those who calm the mind? He was also a titan among human relations. Your disciple has enjoyed his friendship for several decades from youth to maturity, revering him throughout his life until now. As a good spiritual friend, he was someone upon whom I relied; yet now, ill and nearing my end, I was unable to be present to pour out my grief. The choking sorrow in my breast multiplies its anguish. Mustering my strength, I write this condolence, bewildered and distraught without proper order. Your disciple Liu Zhilin bows his head and makes prostration.