廣弘明集 24.75

24.75

The One Reality is ever tranquil, and the subtle manifest and the mysterious unmanifest share the same profundity; myriad sages ride upon capacities, and compliance and opposition thus lead to distinct traces. Therefore, at the Western Pass the Way was illuminated, while in the Eastern Wilds humaneness was discussed; carving and simplicity changed techniques, and being and non-being pursued different ruts. If we now summarize these two gates and trace the origins of these two teachings, do they not both return to the three turnings of the wheel and converge into the five vehicles? Relying on the shallow to reach the deep, using the provisional to reveal the real—this is like a pond dividing into four waters, which initially bear different names, while the ocean gathers eight rivers, ultimately having no distinct flavor. Dānapati, you were singularly endowed with extraordinary talent in your youth and have long harbored flourishing heritage; your elegant words surpass the age, and your refined interests delve into the mysterious. Your wisdom traverses the five sciences, and your learning encompasses the Three Teachings. 'Increasing it, one can forget'—you tread the leisurely tracks of Yan Yuan; 'decreasing it becomes the Way'—you admire the profound footsteps of Laozi. Although the Six Classics are comprehensive and broad and the Hundred Schools are abundant and rich, sages and worthies had different standards, and Ruism and Mohism parted ways—some with vast matters and ornate text, some with elevated words and distant meanings—there was none you did not take in like water into a vase, or expound like a river pouring forth. The bright mirror never tires; the great bell answers whatever strikes it. Cao Zijian would draw upon your rare compositions; Sima Xiangru would feel humbled before your lofty sentiments. Thus, though Qin and Chu were divided,