廣弘明集 29.19

29.19

I greased the carriage and spurred the four-horse team, coming to roam at dusk. Entering the boundary road, it opened broad and clear; resting beneath the Jetavana trees, I lingered long. Looking at the site of the foundation, it was indeed open, spacious, and placed high. Extending tiered verandas far into the distance, connecting wide galleries that pace leisurely about. Jagged embroidered brackets supported curved eaves; lined vermilion columns bore the corners. Thereupon I ascended flying stairs on steep trails and climbed covered walkways to the highest crest. Rising and descending midway to heaven, I clutched the clouds to roam and gallop. The buildings were shady, peaceful, and vast; the steps were solemn, hollow, and still. The wondrous sound of the magnificent bell rang bright; the pure shadows of radiant lamps shone forth. As for the chambers, their windows opened at the treetops, their pillars floating amidst mountain groves. Drawing in the clear moon holding light, admitting gentle breezes from afar. Relying on the brightness, my eyes reached the farthest limit; leaning upon the height, my view opened wide. The flat plains were boundless; the linked mountains were endless. I discerned the arising of smoke within the ravines, and gazed upon rows of trees among the crags. The trees reached perilous heights in lush beauty; smoke came from afar, floating into the void. My feelings drifted far over the open plains; my mind ranged free within the curtains. The night was deep—how far had it gone? The dew was heavy and gradually fell. I enjoyed a firefly drifting on a single leaf, and listened to cranes crying across the nine wilds. Washing in the spring and reclining on fragrant pollia, entering the valley and wearing luxuriant orchids, I whistled softly to dispel troubled thoughts, and went off alone to wander at will. Truly a single branch is easy to rest upon—how could the myriad things disturb it? Approaching the thin curtain, I slept peacefully, and lay on a high pillow till the stars faded.