鐔津文集 9.23

9.23

月日沙門某謹撰書。寄獻于內翰呂公閣下。某嘗以卑論幸閣下善之。其後雖欲益進其說以始終閣下聽覽德義之貺。念某棄匿山林不能果耳。此聞詔還益用大手之筆發揮天子制命。此不可不勵已以求達其志也。幸閣下不忽其幽陋而少留意焉。某聞善其理者。天下至公之謂也。今天下所謂聖人之教者至焉。雖其名不類。考其理而皆欲人趨善。則其理未始異。然猶日月年數雖其近遠差異。而其成歲之功一也。故少壯之時皆讀其書求其意。得其意則嘗以告之人曰。是皆可從而不可拒也。既告之人。又患其不廣。乃以之為書。欲其大勸。所著之書。雖積十餘萬言。而名微身晦不能傳之。欲資之聖賢而相與振之。乃卒無所遇。及其老弊於山谷。弟子輩恐其書與其師偕沒。固請以刻木。刻已又請致之士大夫。初避要名之誚。而不從其請。余自謂之曰。自古至人皆以救護其教法獲譏殞身。為遠大者。又奚恤流俗之譏耶。乃浩然盡發其書致之縉紳先生之徒。雖未始識者立使布之其人。況忝閣下一言之察。而閣下高識遠量素以天下之善而為意也。而敢不陳之乎。謹以其書一部三冊所謂輔教編者。封題仗僧致之下執事者。儻辱閣下諭之於人。則其勝緣陰功幽德當奉大君子同之。神明在焉。實聞斯語。塵浼高明。豈勝皇恐之至。不宣。某謹白。

On [such] month and day, the śramaṇa [Qisong] respectfully composes this letter and sends it as an offering to Your Excellency, Hanlin Academician Master Lü. Formerly, my humble discussions were fortunate enough to meet with Your Excellency's approval. Later, although I wished to further advance my views so as to fully avail myself of the favor of Your Excellency's reading and moral judgment, I reflected that having abandoned worldly ties to hide in the mountains and forests, I was unable to do so. Now I hear that you have been recalled by imperial decree to wield a great literary brush in elucidating the Son of Heaven's commands. At this time, I cannot fail to exert myself to achieve my aim. I hope Your Excellency will not disregard someone obscure and lowly, but grant a little of your attention. I have heard that to appreciate true principle is what is called the greatest impartiality under Heaven. Today, what the world calls the teachings of the sages have reached their peak. Although their names differ, when we examine their principles, they all seek to guide people toward goodness, so their principles have never been divergent. This is just like the count of days, months, and years: although their spans are near or far and varied, their accomplishment of completing a year is one and the same. Therefore, in my youth and prime, I read all their books to grasp their intent; having grasped their intent, I once told others: 'These may all be followed, none should be rejected.' Having told others, I grew concerned that my words would not spread widely, so I put them into books, wishing to provide a great exhortation. Although the books I wrote accumulated to over a hundred thousand words, my name was insignificant and my person obscure, so I could not disseminate them. I wished to rely on sagely and worthy figures to help raise them up, yet ultimately found no such opportunity. When I grew old and worn in the mountain valleys, my disciples feared that the books would perish along with their master, and firmly requested to carve them on printing blocks. Once carved, they asked to present them to the scholar-officials. At first, seeking to avoid the charge of chasing fame, I refused their request. But then I told myself: 'Since antiquity, supreme men have incurred criticism or lost their lives to protect and defend their teachings. When striving for what is distant and grand, why should one worry about the ridicule of vulgar custom?' Thereupon, with great resolve, I brought forth all my books and presented them to the gentlemen of the official class. Even to those I had never met, I sent messengers to distribute them. How much more so when I have received the scrutiny of Your Excellency's gracious words, and Your Excellency's lofty knowledge and broad vision have always taken to heart the goodness of the realm! How could I dare not present them? Respectfully, I send one set comprising three volumes of the book titled Fujiao bian, sealed and entrusted to a monk to deliver to your attendants. If Your Excellency should deign to commend it to others, this auspicious affinity, unseen merit, and hidden virtue will be shared with you, noble gentleman. The spirits are present above and truly bear witness to these words. Having defiled your lofty brilliance, how can I overcome my utmost trepidation? Respectfully submitted.