鐔津文集 13.25

13.25

Although scholars have seen the deeds of Master Huiyuan, few can comprehend them fully. To leave the world without a clear vision of the former worthy's virtue is also the fault of later scholars. When I read the Biographies of Eminent Monks, the Record of the Lotus Society, and the New and Old Records of Jiujiang, I admire Master Huiyuan most of all. In total there are six deeds that I deem capable of encouraging others; thus I cite and explain them, setting them out in his portrait hall to show to those who come after. Lu Xiujing was a scholar of heterodox teachings, yet Huiyuan saw him off past Tiger Creek; this shows he did not reject words because of the person. Tao Yuanming was addicted to wine, yet Huiyuan associated with him; this shows he made light of minor matters and valued his breadth of spirit. The eminent monk Bhadra was expelled for displaying miracles, yet Huiyuan welcomed and praised him; this shows he esteemed those with true discernment and corrected the envious rejection of the worthy. Xie Lingyun was rejected for his scattered mind, and indeed died by execution; this shows Huiyuan recognized his capacity and was prudent about his end. Lu Xun was on the verge of rebelling, yet Huiyuan grasped his hand to seek their old friendship; this shows his confidence in the Way. Huan Xuan exerted his awe-inspiring power, yet Huiyuan confronted him without bending; this shows his great integrity. In general, the sentiments of people ancient and modern are invariably to fear power and seek illicit escape, to forget righteousness and shun suspicion, to crave fame and obscure reality, to ally with influence and brook no isolation, to ornament their conduct while fearing entanglement, and to consider themselves right while censuring others. Who else possessed a Way honored in an entire age to be a teacher of worthies, yet was willing to follow another on account of a single word? Who else originally possessed supreme virtue and conduct spotless and pure, yet was willing to keep company with a realm of drunkenness and extol his breadth of spirit? Who else, humbling the honor of a master of humans, showed courtesy to a guest who had been banished and vindicated his worthiness? Who else rejected a gentleman of immense fame from joining his teaching, thereby ensuring a safe end? Who else in righteousness did not shun peril, cultivated cordiality with an old friend, and had faith in the Way? Who else, facing the awesome might of generals in a time of murderous punishment and tyrannical cruelty, preserved the Way without yielding and preserved his integrity? For these reasons, Master Huiyuan's discernment and magnanimity were vast and grand, standing peerless from ancient times to the present. As for his supporting the supreme teaching, broadening the great holy Way, and bestowing protection upon devas and humans—it is not for an ignorant person like me to fully describe whether he was a sage or a worthy! How magnificent! Like the earth breathing out wind, or the pure breezes of the six directions, such is Master Huiyuan's renown. Like the autumn scene across the four seas, or a divine mountain towering in the center, such is Master Huiyuan's pure loftiness. Like a dragon and phoenix among humans and monks, bowing high to Chaofu and Xu You, such is Master Huiyuan's manner and precedent. Like white clouds and cinnabar peaks, jade trees and jasper grass, such was Master Huiyuan's dwelling place. Born after the master, I feel both admiration and regret. Gazing upon his portrait, I bow my head in reverent homage and wish to inscribe this humble writing upon the wall of the hall.