寺沙門玄奘上表記 1.34

1.34

沙門玄奘言。蓋聞。道隆䨱載。功玄而化廣。德綏內外。邇肅而遠安。是以。垂則天之教。成因地之化。斯固宰物之大統。馭宇之洪範也。伏惟皇帝陛下。資玄象之盛明。縱厚載之至德。裁成品類。光闡彝倫。左袵之鄉。重譯納貢。反舌之俗。請吏革音。非夫德通神明仁被幽顯。何以霧開重阻風卷絕域者哉。玄奘往憑帝力。問道遐方。祗奉法言。服膺梵學。博考名相之原。頗問權實之致。聿來宣譯。式符玄訓。上感皇情。重闡鷲山之道。遠崇佛旨。再演龍宮之典。靜言教義。功歸近人。探賾大猷。誠惟明導。無為味法。有荷洪恩。不謝深仁。恐蕪王化。玄奘爰初歸國。以至于今。凡厥緇徒。深喜求法。愍其弊服。頗惠僧衣。今者見有袈裟三領。聖恩所賜紬綾十匹。諸寺訪得繡像綵幡及諸供養道具之物。并附單書。敬問師友。請因今使附往天竺。冀斯憑信用謝厚恩。則光國仁義之風。以申愚陋之志。不任懷德之誠。謹奉表陳請以聞。伏願聖慈特垂矜允。謹言。

Śramaṇa Xuanzang says: I have heard that when the Way is grand, it covers and bears [all things], its merit profound and its transformation vast; when virtue pacifies within and without, those near are reverent and those afar are at peace. Thus, handed down is the teaching that models Heaven, and accomplished is the transformation grounded on Earth. These indeed are the grand cord for ruling things, the immense norm for governing the realm. I respectfully reflect that Your Majesty, the Emperor, endowed with the radiant brilliance of the celestial phenomena, gives free rein to the supreme virtue of the thick earth, fashioning and completing all categories of beings, gloriously manifesting the constant norms. Lands of left-folded lapels pay tribute through multiple interpreters; peoples of turned-back tongues request officials and transform their speech. Were your virtue not in communion with the divine and your benevolence not extending over the unseen and the visible, how could the mists be dispersed across layered obstructions, and the wind sweep through distant territories? Formerly relying on imperial power, Xuanzang sought the Way in distant lands. Reverently receiving the words of the Dharma, I took Sanskrit learning to heart, extensively examining the origins of names and marks, and inquiring thoroughly into the import of the provisional and the real. Having returned to preach and translate, I have conformed to the profound instructions. Above, I moved the imperial heart to expound once more the Way of the Vulture Peak; afar, I revered the Buddha's purport to unfold again the scriptures of the Nāga Palace. Quietly reflecting on the teachings, the merit belongs to those nearby; searching into the deep and grand plan, it indeed depends on an enlightened guide. Savoring the unconditioned Dharma, I have received immense kindness. Were I not to repay such deep benevolence, I fear the royal transformation would run wild. From Xuanzang's initial return to the country up to the present, all among the monastic community have deeply rejoiced in seeking the Dharma, and pitying my worn garments, have gifted many monastic robes. Now I possess three kaṣāya robes, ten bolts of pongee and twill bestowed by imperial grace, embroidered images and colorful banners obtained from inquiries at various temples, along with items of offering implements. I also enclose simple letters, respectfully inquiring after my teachers and friends. I request that these be conveyed to India with the current envoy. I hope that by relying on these tokens of trust, I may express gratitude for their deep kindness, thereby glorifying the country's atmosphere of benevolence and righteousness and expressing my own humble intentions. Unable to bear my sincere feeling of cherishing virtue, I respectfully submit this memorial to present my request for Your attention. I humbly hope that Your sacred compassion will specially deign to grant assent. Respectfully stated.