廣弘明集 29.22

29.22

He established a profound foundation in the northern lands, continuing the grand lineage of Xuanyuan. Through martial virtue he received the Mandate of Heaven to become ruler, brightening the great radiance to govern the world. He sprinkled spiritual moisture so that it flooded forth, and fanned the benevolent breeze so that it reached far and wide. Following in the footsteps of King Wen of Ji, he built the park, encompassing mountains and marshes to institute regulations; planting the myriad creatures to fulfill provisions, and remitting the regular taxes of the four classes of commoners. Coming to our Emperor's accession to the lineage, he was born endowed by Heaven with luminous sagacity. Recalling the Deer Park of old, he revived the lofty doctrine of the Three Turnings [of the Wheel of Dharma], awakening the profound lineage that had long lapsed, so that across a thousand years it found a place to rest. Thereupon he commanded master artisans and selected craftsmen to chisel into these western ridges. Pouring forth sincerity and right thoughts, they looked up to model the divine image, hoping to approximate the true countenance, blazing with the resplendent brilliance of golden light. Adapting to the numinous cliff, they constructed the halls, ascending straight up for a hundred fathoms, stretching flying beams over floating pillars, and arraying lotus blossoms in patterned caissons. They depicted them in myriad forms, joining them in pristine eternity. It is as if one were gazing directly upon Jetavana; what path to the bodhimaṇḍa could be remote? How marvelous is this construction of divine power, surpassing all antiquity in outstanding excellence! Truly the spiritual deities gave harmonious support; thus it preserves its integrity and maintains good fortune. They hollowed out immortal caves to dwell in dhyāna, and opened tiered staircases to provide passage. They clarified the pure air at the lofty verandas, and awaited lingering fragrances in the royal chambers. Luxuriant flower trees spread their fragrances, and gushing sweet springs overflowed. Praying to the Dragon Palace to send down rain, it matched the rich moisture of the Pleiades. As for the companions who investigate the Way, their conduct is pure and simple. Longing for his virtue and cherishing his influence, they came leaning on staffs to walk here. They keep the strict prohibitions of the worthy ones, and relish the profound canons of the Tripiṭaka. Some pace the woods in walking meditation; some sit in solitude in upright repose. Gathering the assembly of goods, they arrive together; pushing aside the five difficulties, they discard them completely. The Way seeks to hide yet becomes ever more manifest; fame seeks to be ruined yet grows ever more illustrious. Whenever the imperial carriage graciously visits, his mind is always set upon this magnificent garden. Delighting in the quiet and spaciousness here, he built a detached palace. Relying on the high and dry ground, he raised his lofty dwelling, rising above the elevated terrain of the plain. Tranquil in that which the benevolent and the wise cherish, he looked upon the mountains and waters to feast his eyes. Taking pleasure in the patterned groves to let his thoughts wander, he halted the racing pursuits of hawks and hounds. Looking with care upon the elderly to broaden virtue, he gave free rein to the living creatures to extend good fortune. Kindness and love grew profound within, while his golden voice rang forth outside. His merit delivered all under Heaven, yet he did not boast of his goodness. He still consulted the worthy to inquire of the Way, and asked woodcutters to make up for deficiencies. Offering utmost reverence at the numinous monastery, he paid homage observing the new and full moons. Upholding pure precepts through the end of day, he persevered through the six periods of the day and night. How perfected was his utmost sincerity! Truly nine kalpas could be transcended! Alas, the far-reaching plans of the sage king: how could he merely follow the ordinary in clarifying the teachings? Aspiring to the ascendance of Jinyun, he admired the lofty strides of Mūrdhaka. Thinking of leaving the dust behind to surpass the vulgar, he stepped into the profound secrets of the mysterious gate. Abdicating the throne to the Heir Apparent to assume his proper place, he accepted the venerable title of Grand Supreme [Emperor]. Preserving the non-existent while governing the existent, he also held fast to stillness to settle the restless. Beholding the heavenly compass of today, he sought out the bequeathed decrees of former philosophers. Realizing the double shade of the two Qian trigrams, he examined the twin illumination of the radiant Li. Below, he brought peace and deliverance to the myriad folk; above, he brought glory to the seven ancestral temples. Uniting the myriad states to follow his influence, he led all living beings as their guide. Facing due south in non-action, he forever lodged his mind in the subtle and profound. The transformation of the Way is indeed difficult to encounter, yet fortunate is my humble self to have met with it. Meeting the first opening of Fusang, encountering the dawn of the long night, I look back on my declining years with sorrow in heart, pondering my unworthiness with trepidation and fear. I dare to spread out my heart to display my sincerity, offering these humble words to express myself.