廣弘明集 30.13

30.13

Recently, I made an agreement with General of Agile Cavalry He to hold a fast of the eight precepts together. On the twenty-second day of the tenth month, we gathered those of like mind at the tomb beneath Tushan in Wu County. At dawn on the third day, the fast began. At first, there were twenty-four persons in all, including monastics and white-robed laity. Clear, harmonious, solemn, and reverent, there was none who was not quietly at ease. By the morning of the fourth day, the worthies had departed. Because I delighted in the solitude of the rustic lodge and also harbored the intention of digging medicinal herbs, I stayed behind alone. Thereupon, waving my hand, I saw them off, gazing after them on the road. Sitting quietly with folded hands in the empty chamber, I realized the truth of externalizing the body. Ascending the mountains to gather plants, I enjoyed the pleasures of cliffs and waters. Then I took up my brush and dipped it in ink, so as to comfort the feelings of my few companions.