廣弘明集 28.67

28.67

The recorded Mahāsattvas broadly saved others, their purpose never being for themselves, guiding all living beings through diverse skillful means. Thus emptying oneself and delighting in stillness is praised in internal scriptures; firmness hard to uproot is written in external texts; and wandering forth in solitary transcendence—such intention is worthy of discourse. That seclusion does not obstruct reality: this alone makes one a bodhisattva. Dharma Master Zhibiao of the Dhyāna quarters at Donglin Temple on Mount Lu possesses virtue lauded as preeminent among the Saṅgha, truly titled a dragon among men. Harbouring the Way and maintaining simplicity across many years, he was neither bent by worldly affairs nor flattered by the times. Rising and falling without fixity, within the single mark he abided in the markless. Thus he could renounce Gṛdhrakūṭa to come and roam amid the defiled and turbid. Even before meeting, our friendship was forged as pestle and mortar. With meager virtue, I erroneously preside over a great state; before having heard instructions on doctrine, esteemed worthies arrive en masse. In the past, when Master Qiji emerged in the Han years and Fan and Xu arose during the Tang era, it was because the sagely sovereign shed compassion and heavenly favour spread far and wide; that extraordinary men appear together again in this present hour causes me to dance without measure in gratitude for the Emperor's ubiquitous kindness. On the tenth of this month, an unimpeded assembly shall be established at Xixian Temple, where I shall pay homage to the bodhisattvas, personally consult on supreme merit, and sit below at the mats to feed on the Way. May all the subjects and common scholars follow along without exception; let everyone seek instruction to repay heaven’s kindness from above, and forever join in reaching the other shore. Outwardly, let this be announced and carried out according to the protocol.