廣弘明集 28.70

28.70

In the fair scenery of late spring, the breezes and clouds are magnificent and bright: orchid leaves are fit to grasp, and the Yi River is suitable for bathing. You, my younger brother, having few lawsuits in Shaonan, from time to time linger in the shade of the sweet-pear tree; administering government in Jizhou, you have temporarily halted the duties of pulling aside carriage curtains. Tang Jing offered rhapsodies of great boasting, and An Tai expounded on the eloquence of interlocking rings; having exhausted all the delights of touring and gazing, are you truly joyful? At the beginning of spring, I took to bed with sickness, utterly languid and worn down. Even with the white deer of the Western Mountains, I fear I could not be healed; and with Ziyu's red pills, I still worry about not recovering. Lying on my couch in Liu'an, I repeatedly think of Bian Que's inquiries; quietly enclosed within four walls, my thoughts are cut off from the incense of Xiudu. How could I expect Mañjuśrī to arrive, when I only ponder the eloquence of the guest from Wu? Just then, our August Sovereign's compassion covered the whole realm, and the amṛta was swiftly proclaimed. Silver drums sounded in the jewel monastery, and the golden wheel was turned on fragrant ground. The thunder of the Dharma startled waking dreams; the sun of wisdom illuminated the court. Monastics and laity converged like spokes at a hub; near and far gathered entirely. The black and white robes in the listening assembly were about twenty to thirty thousand a day. Yet, solely hindered by illness, I was kept from hearing the Way. Why speak only of Yang Pu's sorrow outside the Pass, or the regret of remaining stranded in Zhounan? Only on the thirteenth day did I at last attend the Dharma mat. This is why when the lord of ministers recently returned, I was still unable to hold a brush. Jingzu walked on ahead, barely able to bear his clothes; whenever I reflect on this, I am filled with grief, feeling loss at the river's infinite stretch. Sleeping and waking, we long for each other. Every time I receive your letter, my slight illness is dispelled. There will soon be another messenger; for now I express no more.