鐔津文集 10.66

10.66

某啟。昨三月得公晦書并所制悲風謠後序。慰諭勤至。非深交至友。何肯如此。於感佩萬一也。然序文殊佳。但其德薄不任稱獎也。此為忝耳。公晦久別所諭何老而益賢如是。喜且非常。我但白首偃蹇不能自振。況暇於教道也。視此得不愧乎。栖居石壁殆二年矣。雖然自適頗樂。顧人生如夢。何足堪恃。紙衾瓦鉢外。惟圖書雜然於室中耳。流俗所尚一無留也。近著孝論十二章。擬儒孝經發明佛意。亦似可觀。吾雖不賢其為僧為人。亦可謂志在原教而行在孝論也。今以相寄。蓋以公晦善於親也所栖雖牢落。於佛法其意亦不敢怠。徐當為教門著一大典。但慮其功浩大。若果就先當相聞。公晦道已振一方。吾復何云。但善將身世此為至祝。專人還特此上聞。

I state: In the third month of last year, I received your letter, Gonghui, along with the postface you composed for the 'Lament of the Autumn Wind.' Your consolations and instructions were diligent and thorough. If not for a deep and intimate friendship, who would be willing to act thus? I am grateful beyond measure. Yet your preface is remarkably fine, whereas my virtue is meager and unequal to such praise; this is truly shameful for me. Having been parted from you, Gonghui, for so long, how is it that you become ever wiser as you age, as shown in your instructions? I am extraordinarily pleased. I, on the other hand, am merely white-haired, dispirited, and unable to rouse myself, let alone have leisure for the teaching of the Dharma. Looking upon this, how could I not feel ashamed? I have resided at Stone Cliff for almost two years. Although I am quite happy following my own inclination, when looking upon human life, it is like a dream—how could it be relied upon? Apart from a paper quilt and an earthenware bowl, there are only books and paintings lying scattered in my room. Of what the common world values, not a thing is kept. Recently I composed the Xiaolun in twelve chapters, modeled on the Confucian Classic of Filial Piety to elucidate the Buddhist intention; it also seems presentable. Though I am unworthy, as a monk and as a person, it may indeed be said that my aspiration lies in the Yuanjiao and my practice in the Xiaolun. I send it to you now because you, Gonghui, are good to your parents. Although my dwelling is desolate, my mind does not dare to be indolent regarding the Buddha Dharma. In time I shall compose a great work for the gate of the teaching, but I worry that the labor is immense. If it is indeed completed, I shall inform you first. You, Gonghui, have already propagated the Way in your region; what more can I say? Only that taking good care of yourself in this life is my utmost prayer. I send this specially via a returning courier.