鐔津文集 19.20

19.20

East of Mount Teng, / Purple clouds float in the void. / Here was a dragon among monks, / Whose name was paired with the towering Mount Song. / From the time he cast off swaddling clothes, / He abode in benevolence and followed filial piety. / Pure as ice and snow in person, / He took the Vinaya rules as his model. / Looking far and soaring high, / He traveled through Wu and Liang. / His Way inherited that of the Buddhas and patriarchs; / The more he wished to hide, the more he shone. / Just when Jetavana encountered / The flames of slander rising from all sides, / Giving free rein to his brush, he composed books— / Which was truly out of necessity. / After [the flames] were extinguished, / The Uḍumbara blossom flourished anew. / During the Jiayou era, / His heroic fame soared alone. / Imperial favor was repeatedly bestowed; / Dukes and ministers bowed in respect. / Alas, those among our own flock / Instead gave free rein to slanderous tongues! / Thereupon he recited 'Let Us Return!', / Finding contentment like an overturned basin. / Shaolin's ingestion of poison: / Different tracks, yet the same path. / Petty intellects deeming themselves worthy / Fill the markets everywhere. / Standing tall, who was his match? / It was in principle naturally so. / The Tai'e sword drawn from its scabbard / Slices sea monsters and slays dragons; / Were it used to mend shoes, / It would not even equal an awl. / Silently he departed; / His traces cannot be continued. / Awe-inspiring is the authentic style, / Dispelling foul mists forever. / Alas for this petty student, / Unable to serve him with respect! / Whenever the thought arises, / Grief fills my breast. / In the end, what can I accomplish? / It only adds to my shame. / I briefly write down this pure fragrance, / To instruct future students.