代宗朝贈司空大辨正廣智三藏和上表制集 5

English (machine translation) 5

Language: English

5.1

Compiled by the Monk Shi Yuanzhao of Ximing Temple in the Upper Capital, Chang'an

5.2

Twenty-nine memorials in total; sixteen imperial replies; forty-five pieces in all.

One Edict Summoning Recitation Monks;
One Edict Ordering Huilang to Instruct Later Students;
One Edict Ordering Huisheng to Reside According to What Was Requested;
One Edict Halting Construction at the Old Stūpa Site;
One Edict Ordering the Erection of a Relic Stūpa in the Cloister (with commissioner's dispatch);
One Memorial by the Monk Huilang Giving Thanks for Bestowal of the Purple Robe (with reply);
One Edict Bestowing a Plaque for the Mañjuśrī Pavilion;
One Memorial Giving Thanks for Bestowal of the Plaque (with reply);
One Report Submitting [the Costs of] Constructing the Nation-Protecting Pavilion of the Great Sage Mañjuśrī;
One Memorial Giving Thanks for the Bestowal of Offerings for the Minor Auspiciousness Feast (with reply);
One Memorial by the Disciple Huiguo Giving Thanks for Bestowal of Brocades and Silks (with reply);
One Edict Ordering Monks and Nuns Throughout the Realm to Recite the Uṣṇīṣa Vijaya Dhāraṇī;
One Memorial Giving Thanks for Reciting and Upholding the Uṣṇīṣa Vijaya Dhāraṇī (with reply);
One Memorial Requesting to Erect a Stele for the Late Master;
One Memorial Congratulating on the Pacification of Li Lingyao (with reply);
Two Elegiac Poems for the Late Commissioner for Meritorious Deeds, Lord Li;
One Memorial Requesting the Continued Appointment of a Commissioner for Meritorious Deeds;
One Memorial Giving Thanks for Bestowal of Vegetarian Feast Offerings and Tea;
One Memorial Congratulating on the Spring Snow (with reply);
One Memorial Congratulating on the Ordination as a Nun of the Daughter of the Prince of Han;
One Memorial by the Monk Danzhen of Qinglong Temple Congratulating on the Bestowal of Goods for Praying for Rain (with reply);
One Memorial by the Monk Feixi Congratulating on Clear Skies (with reply);
One Memorial by Juechao Congratulating on Praying for Rain at the Pool (with reply);
One Memorial Stating Feelings upon Requesting to Resign from the Inner Bodhimaṇḍa (with reply);
One Memorial Congratulating on Praying for Rain (with reply);
One Memorial Congratulating on Defeating the Tufan (with reply);
One Memorial by the Monk Huichao Congratulating on Praying for Rain at the Jade Maiden Pool (with reply);
One Memorial by the Monk Danzhen Congratulating on Praying for Rain (with reply);
One Memorial by the Monk Daorun of Lingying Platform Congratulating on the Pacification of Henan;
One Memorial by the Supervising Commissioner Xiancheng Submitting Feathers from a Frightened Dove (with reply).

5.4

One Edict Summoning Recitation Monks

5.5

Having received the imperial edict, instructed Yuancong: As for monks of Huadu, Baoshou, Xingshan, and other temples who formerly received the Dharma from the late Tripitaka Master and Upādhyāya and possess accomplishments, draw up their names and memorialize at once.

5.6

Proclaimed by the Director of the Palace Visitors Bureau, Li Xiancheng, on the seventh day of the seventh month of the ninth year of Dali.

5.7

One Edict Ordering Huilang to Instruct Later Students

5.8

Having received the imperial edict, instructed the monk Huilang: Specially oversee and inspect the affairs of the cloister, and in addition instruct later students. Those who have proper progression regarding each deity and each seal should be memorialized for Our hearing.

5.9

Proclaimed by Palace Envoy Li Xiancheng on the seventh day of the seventh month of the ninth year of Dali.

5.10

One Edict Ordering Huisheng to [Reside] According to What Was Requested

5.11

Having received the imperial edict, instructed the monk Huisheng: When the Upādhyāya was alive, you, ācārya, particularly grasped his intention. We now hear that you burn incense and keep watch at the stūpa site. Formerly you received the Samantabhadra recitation method from the Upādhyāya, sharing the same principal deity as Our own. Exert yourself in diligent cultivation, and after the three years are fulfilled, come at once before Us to discuss the method of the principal deity. What was requested to reside is approved.

5.12

Proclaimed by High Ranking Palace Envoy Li Xiancheng on the seventh day of the seventh month of the ninth year of Dali.

5.13

One Edict Halting Construction at the Old Stūpa Site

5.14

Having received the imperial edict, instructed Yuancong: Construction at the stūpa site of the late Tripitaka Master and Upādhyāya of Great Eloquence, Rectitude, and Vast Wisdom, Amoghavajra, should temporarily halt. Separately select auspicious ground to begin construction.

5.15

Proclaimed by Palace Envoy Li Xiancheng on the fifteenth day of the seventh month of the ninth year of Dali.

5.16

One Edict Ordering the Erection of a Relic Stūpa in the Cloister (with commissioner's dispatch)

5.17

Having received the imperial edict, instructed Yuancong: The cremation of the late Tripitaka Master Bianzheng yielded śarīra relics; order that a śarīra stūpa be built in his cloister at the temple.

5.18

Proclaimed by the Director of the Palace Visitors Bureau, Li Xiancheng, on the twenty-eighth day of the eighth month of the ninth year of Dali.

5.19

The Commissioner for Cultivating Meritorious Deeds Charged with Managing Monasteries and Abbeys in the Capital issues a dispatch to Xingshan Temple: This office received a petition stating the receipt of an imperial edict as on the right. For those matters where separate dispatches have not yet been sent to the competent authorities requesting execution and disposition, the edict is recorded and dispatched to Xingshan Temple, and furthermore dispatched to the cloister of the late Tripitaka Master and Upādhyāya. Hence this dispatch.

5.20

Dispatched on the eighth day of the ninth month of the ninth year of Dali.

5.21

Administrative Assistant, former Sima of Zizhou, Liu Hao.

5.22

Commissioner, Specially Advanced with the Open Office Equal to the Three Privileged Offices and General of the Right Dragon Martial Army, Li Cong.

5.23

One Memorial by the Monk Huilang Giving Thanks for Bestowal of the Purple Robe (with Imperial Reply)

5.24

The monk Huilang states: Huilang is a most insignificant lone practitioner of Yoga. Presumptuously receiving the Imperial Favor and unworthily bathed in extraordinary benevolence, I go in and out of the Golden Gates and practice cultivation in the separate halls. Fortunately receiving the bright decrees, I have frequently faced the Ninefold Palace. The purple-sashed kāṣāya has been extraordinarily bestowed through Imperial Favor. This not only glorifies and adorns my late master, but truly also illuminates later students. This petty monk is beyond measure filled with sorrowful gratitude. I respectfully present this memorial to express my gratitude and report it. Utterly trembling with awe, with sincere joy and sincere happiness, I respectfully speak.

5.25

Memorial submitted on the twenty-ninth day of the eleventh month of the ninth year of Dali by the monk Huilang of Daxingshan Temple, Dharma-transmitting disciple of the late Tripitaka Master and Upādhyāya of Great Eloquence and Rectitude.

5.26

The Baoying Yuansheng Wenwu Emperor replied: "The Master has long been diligent in pure conduct and early stepped into the Dharma stream. Blessings and wisdom provide aid, and sentient beings rely upon them. Thus We bestowed the robe of distinction; why trouble yourself with this gratitude?"

5.27

One Edict Bestowing a Plaque for the Mañjuśrī Pavilion

5.28

Having received the imperial edict: One plaque inscribed in gold clerical script 'Nation-Protecting Pavilion of the Great Sage Mañjuśrī' should be delivered to the Scripture Translation Cloister of Daxingshan Temple.

5.29

Proclaimed by Palace Envoy Li Xiancheng on the thirteenth day of the second month of the tenth year of Dali.

5.30

One Memorial Giving Thanks for Bestowal of the Plaque

5.31

The monk Huilang states: Today I humbly received the Palace Envoy Li Xiancheng proclaiming the Imperial Will, specially bestowing one plaque inscribed in gold clerical script for the Pavilion of the Great Sage Mañjuśrī. The Imperial brush and divine traces are extraordinary in their calligraphic power. The name boldly 'Protects the Nation,' and the characters illuminate the heavenly patterns. Like magpies turning and phoenixes wheeling, they seem vividly in flight; with dragon-like bearing and martial vigor, they tower far above the wind and clouds. Surpassing hanging dew in the nine heavens, they strike awe like falling boulders from a thousand fathoms. The golden radiance is dazzling, suspended together with the sun and moon; the Sage's traces serve as a model, imperishable alongside heaven and earth. Greeting and gazing upon it, eyes are refreshed; reflecting and contemplating it, mind and spirit are invigorated. What great fortune for this petty monk to be bathed in these waves of imperial favor! Carrying the high heavens on my head, I feel ashamed to the point of having no ground to stand on. Utterly leaping with joy, dread, and reverence, I respectfully present this memorial to express my gratitude and report it. The monk Huilang, with sincere joy and sincere gratitude, respectfully speaks.

5.32

Memorial presented on the thirteenth day of the second month of the tenth year of Dali by the monk Huilang of Daxingshan Temple.

5.33

The Baoying Yuansheng Wenwu Emperor replied:

5.34

"Setting up the true countenance in a separate cloister of the monastery, the golden tablet makes it manifest so as to glorify the Great Sage. As the Master diligently cultivates incense and lamps to protect the realm, your gratitude is acknowledged."

5.35

One Report Submitting [the Costs of] Constructing the Mañjuśrī Pavilion

5.36

The Scripture Translation Cloister of Daxingshan Temple.

5.37

For constructing the pavilion of the Great Sage Mañjuśrī Bodhisattva: The total revenue of money amounted to 22,487 strings and 950 cash. Items issued from the palace, together with converted silk, totaled 13,052 strings (11,152 strings was converted to 4,117 bolts of silk, and 2,000 strings was allocated and paid in ready cash); 1,080 strings and 503 cash; money from the Upādhyāya's robes and miscellaneous cash and goods brought in 8,355 strings and 447 cash, received through outside donations, various sundries, and sale of goods. The expenditures and remaining amounts for the construction of the pavilion of the Great Sage Mañjuśrī Bodhisattva are as follows:

5.38

4,542 strings and 545 cash: For purchasing 610 and a half square timber beams.

5.39

974 strings and 810 cash: For purchasing rafters, pillars, and locust wood, 804 pieces in all.

5.40

1,491 strings and 170 cash: For purchasing bricks, tiles, and roof-ridge beast tiles, 55,698 pieces.

5.41

214 strings and 500 cash: For purchasing 700 bundles of wattling and related materials.

5.42

746 strings and 225 cash: For purchasing cypress wood to build doors, windows, railings, and related uses.

5.43

764 strings of cash: For purchasing stone bases and miscellaneous stones, along with hiring carts, manual labor, rations, and related uses.

5.44

116 strings and 425 cash: For purchasing pounded hemp and related uses.

5.45

339 strings and 591 cash: For purchasing nails, iron, and related uses.

5.46

80 strings of cash: For making eight wind-chimes for the upper and lower stories of the pavilion and related uses.

5.47

85 strings and 288 cash: For purchasing lime, red earth, black wax, and related uses.

5.48

2,478 strings and 946 cash: For making gilded-bronze door-nail beast-heads and various miscellaneous metal fittings.

5.49

694 strings and 550 cash: For hiring workers to build the stairs and dig trenches, and related uses.

5.50

2,288 strings and 300 cash: For hiring workers to raise scaffolding, erect timbers, and for manual labor, rations, and related uses.

5.51

800 strings of cash: For purchasing color pigments, rendering margins, painting openwork patterns, light carpentry labor, rations, and related uses.

5.52

1,051 strings and 296 cash: For hiring workers to saw timber, manual labor, and rations.

5.53

305 strings of cash: For hiring workers for tiling work, manual labor, rations, and related uses.

5.54

1,518 strings and 900 cash: expended on labor, grain, and provisions for making cypress-panelled doors, windows, balustrades, and sunshades.

5.55

330 strings of cash: expended on labor, grain, and provisions for plastering and earthen walling work.

5.56

257 strings of cash: expended on hiring painters for the plinths, partitions, and panels, and purchasing pigments, as well as on labor, grain, and provisions.

5.57

595 strings and 687 cash: expended on hiring carts and boats to transport squared timber, freightage, and related costs.

5.58

357 strings and 700 cash: expended on hiring bricklayers for masonry work, as well as on labor, grain, and provisions.

5.59

162 strings and 548 cash: expended on purchasing Zhaoyue rush mats, reed blinds, charcoal, fireworks, medicines, weeding hoes, paper, brushes, lamp oil, and other items.

5.60

100 strings and 982 cash: expended on provisions and hospitality for monastic couriers, postulants, outside envoys who expedited work, and artisans.

5.61

52 strings and 510 cash: expended on purchasing glue and hemp, twisting ropes, and various miscellaneous items.

5.62

312 strings and 790 cash: expended on hiring miscellaneous service workers for daily, monthly, and yearly labor.

5.63

873 strings and 250 cash: expended on purchasing four carts, six oxen, and other items.

5.64

682 strings and 87 cash: expended on buying hay and beans for the oxen, shoeing the oxen, medicine, and cake money for the cart drivers.

5.65

The itemized expenditures above are as recorded. The quantities received through purchase, miscellaneous donation, and current remainders are detailed below:

5.66

Total squared timber received: 685½ logs; 75 logs […], donated from outside: 610½ logs.

5.67

Purchased: 487½ logs. Used in constructing the pavilion: 127 logs. Sold: […]. Remainder on hand: 71 logs.

5.68

Total purlin-supporting columns received: 244 logs; 148 logs […], donated from outside: 96 logs.

5.69

Purchased: 173 logs. Used in constructing the pavilion: […]. Remainder on hand: 71 logs.

5.70

Total rafters received: 2,414 poles; 1,570 poles […], donated from outside: 844 poles.

5.71

Purchased: 1,854 poles. Used in constructing the pavilion: […]. Remainder on hand: 560 poles.

5.72

Total battens purchased: 700 bundles. Used in constructing the pavilion: 350 bundles. Remainder on hand: 350 bundles.

5.73

Total glue received: 683 catties; 600 catties bestowed by imperial decree, 40 catties donated from outside, 43 catties purchased; all used up in constructing the pavilion.

5.74

Total wax received: 620 catties; 600 catties entered by imperial decree, 20 catties purchased; all used up in constructing the pavilion.

5.75

The above itemized account of the monies, goods, squared timbers, and various materials received for constructing the pavilion, together with the amounts expended and the remainders on hand, is reverently recorded as above and presented for memorialization. We prostrately await the Imperial decree.

5.76

Submitted on the fifth day of the fourth month of the tenth year of Dali by the commissioner supervising the pavilion construction, the monk Xiuyan, and others.

5.77

Joint commissioner supervising the pavilion construction, the monk Huisheng.

5.78

The monk Huilang, commissioner of cloister affairs by imperial decree.

5.79

Memorial of Gratitude for the Imperial Bestowal of Offerings for the First Anniversary Vegetarian Feast (with Imperial Response)

5.80

Palace Envoy Duan Wuhua arrived to reverently proclaim the imperial decree: On the occasion of the entombment feast on the first anniversary of the late Tripitaka Master and Upādhyāya of Great Eloquence and Vast Wisdom, a feast offering for one thousand persons was bestowed, together with two hundred strings of tea, and ordination was granted to two disciples. Prostrately I consider that since our late master passed into extinction, a solar cycle has suddenly turned. Your Sagely Mind, wishing to honor him at the end, has repeatedly bestowed illustrious favors: granting cash to erect the stupa, and presenting delicacies and ordaining monks. Your rain and dew permeate the unseen and the seen; Your radiant favor covers the living and the departed. All who belong to the Dharma fellowship are moved by grief and gratitude in equal measure. The palace envoy came repeatedly; fragrant tea arrived in succession. Sending his complete body into the Prabhūtaratna Stupa, we are sustained by exceptional grace from the Ninth Heaven. Unable to bear my extreme gratitude, I reverently present this memorial to offer my thanks and submit it for your hearing. Unable to overcome my deep trepidation, with true joy and true delight I respectfully speak.

5.81

Fifteenth day of the sixth month of the tenth year of Dali.

5.82

Presented in a memorial by the Śramaṇa Huilang of Daxingshan Temple.

5.83

The Baoying Yuansheng Wenwu Emperor responded:

5.84

"The late Upādhyāya passed into extinction and returned to the Absolute. The stellar order has swiftly shifted, increasing our grief and lamentation. To honor him post-mortem with auspicious merit, we provided these vegetarian offerings; they are hardly generous gifts, yet you trouble yourself to express thanks in this manner."

5.85

Memorial of Gratitude for the Imperial Bestowal of Brocades and Colored Silks (with Imperial Response)

5.86

The Śramaṇa Huiguo states: I prostrately received the imperial decree proclaimed by Palace Envoy Li Xiancheng on the ninth day of this month, bestowing upon this humble monk twenty bolts of brocades and colored silks in total. Holding them and facing them, my joy and awe are as if a mountain were pressing down on me. I, Huiguo, had the good fortune to meet this illustrious age and have undeservedly received Your Sagely grace. From my years of playing in the sand, I served my late master; for over twenty years, I held his towel and staff. In the esoteric lineage of Yoga and the profound, wondrous essentials of Samantabhadra, I was specially favored with his instruction and uniquely received his intentions; he strictly commanded me to practice day and night for the sake of the state. Therefore, this humble monk has broken his gall and exhausted his liver, forgetting his body and sacrificing his life, without a moment's cessation, praying and making vows with earnest sincerity in the hope of repaying the kindness of Your rain and dew, and aspiring to requite the creation of Your extraordinary favor. Unable to bear my extreme exultation, I respectfully append this memorial to convey my thanks and submit it for your hearing. The Śramaṇa Huiguo, with true joy and true fear, respectfully speaks.

5.87

Tenth day of the eleventh month of the tenth year of Dali; presented in a memorial by the Śramaṇa Huiguo of Daxingshan Temple.

5.88

Rescript of the Baoying Yuansheng Wenwu Emperor:

5.89

"Regarding the bequeathed teaching of the Upādhyāya, the ācārya has been able to abide by the esoteric lineage and transmit it to his disciples. Having examined the master's refined sincerity and memorial of diligent labor, We lightly bestow these silks to promote the burning of incense. We acknowledge your thanks."

5.90

Imperial Edict Ordering Monks and Nuns Throughout the Realm to Recite the Uṣṇīṣavijayā Dhāraṇī: One Decree

5.91

Reverently receiving the imperial command addressed to Li Yuancong: Monks and nuns throughout the realm are ordered to recite the Uṣṇīṣavijayā Dhāraṇī. They are given a time limit of one month to recite it until they are thoroughly proficient. Furthermore, they are instructed to recite it twenty-one times each day. Every year, on the first day of the first month, when envoys are sent to congratulate the New Year, they shall report the full number of recitations and present it to the throne.

5.92

Proclaimed on the eighth day of the second month of the eleventh year of Dali by Li Xiancheng, Palace Attendant Director.

5.93

Memorial of Gratitude for the Recitation and Upholding of the Uṣṇīṣavijayā Dhāraṇī (with Imperial Response)

5.94

The Śramaṇa Huilang states: Prostrately I have received the gracious imperial edict commanding monks and nuns throughout the realm to recite and uphold the Uṣṇīṣavijayā Dhāraṇī. It is the heart and eyes of the Buddhas, the bridge and ferry for living beings. Your Majesty has received the Buddha's entrustment and applies the Dharma's transformation. My trace lies in the monkhood, and I have also undeservedly served in close attendance; in my foolish sincerity, I am truly astonished and joyful. Prostrately I consider that Your Majesty's designs harmonize with Sagely compassion, secretly assisting all that lives and bringing benefit. To establish a realm of benevolence and longevity lies in this single utterance; to broadcast boundless fortune so as to pacify the myriad states. The spirits of mountains and rivers are none of them unpacified; birds, beasts, fish, and turtles will truly receive protection. The clergy has a path for encouragement and advancement; the laity forms a shared custom of goodness. This is Your Majesty's grace transcending the realm, participating in and receiving the Supreme Way for practical application; how could a foolish monk know it in his daily use? The moistening favor of nourishing growth is truly profound and vast; how can the virtue of teaching and guiding be requited above? Reverently appending this to Palace Envoy Yuan Yingjin, I present this memorial to express thanks and submit it for your hearing. With true joy and true delight, I respectfully speak.

5.95

Twenty-third day of the second month of the eleventh year of Dali.

5.96

Presented in a memorial by the Śramaṇa Huilang and others of Xingshan Temple.

5.97

Rescript of the Baoying Yuansheng Wenwu Emperor:

5.98

"The spiritual power of the Uṣṇīṣavijayā Dhāraṇī is widely cast, hoping to aid vast benefit and extend universally to all sentient beings. In recently ordering its recitation and upholding, We have caused you the trouble of expressing thanks with a memorial."

5.99

Memorial Requesting the Erection of a Stele for the Late Master

5.100

The Śramaṇa Huilang and others state: Our late master, the Upādhyāya and Tripitaka Master of Great Eloquence Amoghavajra, early on encountered the sagely era and continued the Buddha's transmission of the lamp. Floating across seas and scaling mountains, he sought the Dharma jewels. He attained the vajra esoteric seal and realized samādhi and dhāraṇī. Śarīra were enveloped within his physical body; the mirror of wisdom was suspended in the moon of his mind. He leveled the Great Way and aided the imperial house. Since the Tianbao era, the Imperial Ancestor and the Imperial Father lowered their majesty to inquire about the Dharma, observing the proper rites of master and disciple. When Your Majesty came to the throne, You further added extraordinary reverence for his virtue and Way, and bestowed favors surpassing all others: in life he was called Master of Abhiṣeka, and in death he was posthumously granted the rank of Senior Duke. Ever since his transformation, two years have elapsed. The shadow stupa stands empty in the Twin Trees, yet his flourishing virtue has not been inscribed on durable stone. In sagely compassion and grief, You permitted the composition of a grand stele; looking up to the imperial writing, we hope for its descent. The humble monks' longstanding wish awaits this to be fulfilled. We prostrately beg that Your immense grace look down with pity and consent. Unable to bear our extreme sincerity, we reverently present this memorial to make our request and submit it for your hearing. Lightly braving the dragon's visage, we are overcome with trepidation. The Śramaṇa Huilang and others, with true fear and true dread, respectfully speak.

5.101

Fifth day of the fourth month of the eleventh year of Dali; memorial submitted by the Śramaṇa Huilang and others of Daxingshan Temple.

5.102

Memorial of Congratulation on the Pacification of Li Lingyao

5.103

The Śramaṇa Huilang and others state: Huilang has heard that those who rebel against virtue perish, and calamity brought upon oneself is difficult to escape. Prostrately I consider that Your Majesty, with sagely brilliance and independent resolution, secretly exercised divine strategy, employing the martial prowess of generals and soldiers who exhausted their sincerity to chastise the rebels. The owl-bandit was captured in victory; the eight prefectures were regained; the maritime routes are open; the ten thousand states come to court; and the four barbarian tribes offer tribute. Huilang and others cannot contain our utmost jubilation. Reverently entrusting this to Palace Envoy Li Xiancheng, we present this memorial to offer our congratulations and submit it for your hearing. The Śramaṇa Huilang and others, with true joy and true delight, respectfully speak.

5.104

Twenty-eighth day of the eleventh month of the eleventh year of Dali.

5.105

Memorial submitted by the Śramaṇa Huilang and others of Daxingshan Temple.

5.106

The Baoying Yuansheng Wenwu Emperor responded:

5.107

"Lingyao madly rebelled and defied the court's norms. When the army approached from four directions, the bandit calamity dissolved like mist. The villainous chief was captured, and the Bian border is once again at peace. We acknowledge your congratulations."

5.108

Two Dirges for the Late Commissioner of Merit and Virtue, Duke of the State of Liang, General Li

5.109

By Zhao Qian, former Adjutant of the Weaponry Section of the Left Militant Guard and Hanlin Scholar-in-Waiting:
His achievements flourished in the era of Yao of Tang; / his merits were completed in the army of Master Wen.
He repeatedly received the favors of three emperors; / his sixfold virtues matched the meritorious service of the five ministers.
The painted horn sounds sorrowfully in the cold blast; / the sad reed pipe chokes against the morning clouds.
The loyal and righteous bones of the Sagely Court / today are consigned to a desolate tomb.

A sad wind rises in the great tree; / the general departs, never to return.
Stroking the coffin, the heart aches ever more; / facing the pit, tears are hard to stay.
Under the morning moon, the frosted grass is thick; / the secluded spring encloses the terrace of night.
Further hearing the singer's companions weeping, / whatever one encounters turns wholly into sorrow.

5.110

Memorial Requesting the Continued Appointment of a Commissioner of Merit and Virtue

5.111

The Śramaṇa Huilang states: Huilang has heard that it is only humans who plant merit, and only merit that benefits humans. If that office is vacant, goodness has no means to flourish. Prostrately I consider that Your Majesty the Baoying Yuansheng Wenwu Emperor ascended the heavenly throne truly for the sake of the multitudes of living beings, cutting off deviant paths and protecting the correct Dharma, so that the ten thousand states are all blessed, not just the capital city alone. Ever since the state specially established the Commissioner of Merit and Virtue, manifold blessings have grown daily, and the villainous multitudes have been destroyed from time to time. The imperial house has raised up lofty divine protection, and the Buddhist order has put an end to fears of humiliation. This is known only to Heaven, but seldom realized by men. Recently, when Yuancong passed away, the clergy of the imperial capital looked at one another with dejection, raising their eyes with mounting sorrow and weeping as they spoke among themselves. Furthermore, they fear that evil māras will seize a favorable opportunity, and heterodox paths will find a time to bare their arms, so that the correct teaching will decline and the forest of deviance will flourish. We prostrately beg:

5.112

that Your Sagely Compassion select a worthy minister to take charge of the office of merit and virtue, perpetuating the state's ever-new blessings and relieving the monks' sorrow of longing for the past. Reverently appending this to Palace Attendant Li Xiancheng, I present this memorial to express our feelings and submit it for your hearing. Unable to overcome my extreme trepidation, the Śramaṇa Huilang, with true fear and true dread, respectfully speaks.

5.113

Twelfth month of the eleventh year of Dali; memorial submitted by the Śramaṇa Huilang of Daxingshan Temple.

5.114

Memorial of Gratitude for the Vegetarian Feast, Offerings, and Tea, with One Title

5.115

The śramaṇa Huilang states: On the fourteenth day of this month, we respectfully received the provision of a vegetarian feast for one thousand monks, and a grant of two hundred strings of tea. Today, the palace commissioner furthermore proclaimed and manifested the gracious imperial decree, extending consolation to the master's disciples and bestowing heavenly incense, which perfumes both the living and the deceased. Huilang and the others are truly sorrowful and truly awed; our minds and souls feel overwhelmed. Continuing to receive the lingering protection of our late master and bathed in the extraordinary benevolence of Your Majesty, if spiritual principles truly exist and imperceptibly respond to the sacred grace, then our recompense of tying grass must surely arise through this fragrant tea. Bearing a debt as heavy as mountains and seas, we respectfully submit this memorial via the palace commissioner Li Xiancheng to express our gratitude and bring it to your hearing. The śramaṇa Huilang states this with sincere awe and fear.

5.116

Memorial submitted by the śramaṇa Huilang and others on the tenth day of the sixth month of the twelfth year of Dali.

5.117

Memorial of Congratulation on the Spring Snow, with One Title

5.118

The śramaṇa Huilang and others state: Recently, as the past winter suffered an unseasonable lack of precipitation, the Sacred Heart was filled with anxiety and sorrow. You broadly elevated superior merits, entirely for the sake of the living beings. As a result, spring clouds sprinkled the sky and pure white snow displayed auspicious signs. The entire world was suffused with moisture, and the benevolent damp reached without boundary. Turbid dust naturally settled, and an abundant year awaits. The fifty-three monks including Huilang, always remaining in the ritual arena, have been reciting mantras for the state. Since the beginning of the first month, we have spurred each other on, some not eating for seven days, some forgetting sleep for ten days, merely wishing to provide a fraction of goodness to repay Your Majesty's exceptional favor above. Bathed in the benevolence of this Yao-like reign, we still feel ashamed before ordinary rustic elders. Unable to bear our utmost joy, we respectfully submit this memorial via the palace commissioner Li Xiancheng to offer our congratulations and bring them to your hearing. The śramaṇa Huilang and others state this with sincere joy and delight.

5.119

The seventeenth day of the first month of the thirteenth year of Dali.

5.120

Memorial submitted by the śramaṇa Huilang and others of Daxingshan Temple.

5.121

The Baoying Yuansheng Wenwu Emperor replied:

5.122

Recently, as the season of growth arrived without snow since winter, Our thoughts were deeply set on expecting a bountiful year, and Our worries were burdened by the drought. The masters prayed with pure sincerity, and the enriching moisture was broadly bestowed. Having responded to your utmost sincerity, this should indeed serve to console Us. We acknowledge your congratulations.

5.123

Memorial of Congratulation on Ordaining the Eldest Daughter of the Prince of Han, with One Title

5.124

The saṅgha of the capital, represented by the Sthavira śramaṇa Huilang and others of Daxingshan Temple, state: We respectfully received the sacred decree of the sixth day of this month ordaining the eldest daughter of the Great Prince of Han. In great grace, you released an imperial granddaughter to leave the household life to assist and support the Empress, continuing the legacy of Mahāprajāpatī and glorifying the Śākya clan. We humbly reflect that Your Majesty's supremely sagacious heart benefits beings on a vast scale; even the greatness of heaven and earth, how could it compare? She removes the phoenix hairpin from cicada-like temples to shave off her cloud-like hair; she takes off the pearl garlands of precious robes to don the kāṣāya. The humans and devas of the three realms are all bathed in this blessed favor, and the black-robed sangha under heaven cannot bear their veneration and joy. We respectfully submit this memorial via the palace commissioner Wei Xinglin to bring it to your hearing. The śramaṇa Huilang and others state this with sincere joy and delight.

5.125

The ninth day of the tenth month of the thirteenth year of Dali.

5.126

Memorial submitted by the Sthavira śramaṇa Huilang and others of the Śākya clan of Daxingshan Temple in the capital.

5.127

Memorial of Śramaṇa Tanchen Congratulating on the Prayers for Rain at Nanshan and the Bestowal of Goods, with One Title (together with the Imperial Reply)

5.128

The śramaṇa Tanchen states: Recently, because the enriching rain had not yet spread, the Sacred Heart was filled with anxiety and sorrow. Specially receiving the imperial command, I was ordered to proceed to Nanshan to pray for rain. Exhausting all my heartfelt devotion, I hoped to meet the imperial wish. Yet through my ritual practices there was no merit; the naga spirits did not respond. I vainly wearied Your Sagacious thoughts and wastefully expended the offerings and provisions. Since there was no auspicious omen, I truly deserved blame and punishment. Yet the sacred compassion was lenient and forgiving, and the bestowals were exceptionally generous: I received seventy bolts of brocaded silk. Carrying the heaven on my head and treading the earth under my feet, I cannot measure their height and depth. How could I have expected that in the gate of worry and sorrow I would suddenly meet the torrent of sacred, widespread favors? Unable to bear my utmost joy, shame, and awe, I respectfully submit this memorial via the palace commissioner Li Xiancheng to express my gratitude and bring it to your hearing. The śramaṇa Tanchen states this with sincere awe and joy.

5.129

Memorial submitted by the śramaṇa Tanchen of Qinglong Temple on the third day of the eighth month of the twelfth year of Dali.

5.130

The Baoying Yuansheng Wenwu Emperor replied:

5.131

You have long been diligent in pure practices and your pure sincerity has long been known. You reverently purified the ritual arena to pray earnestly for enriching rain. We merely offered a modest reward; you need not have troubled yourself with this memorial of thanks.

5.132

Memorial of Congratulation on the Clear Sky, with One Title (together with the Imperial Reply)

5.133

The śramaṇa Feixi and others state: On the twenty-sixth day of the eighth month, we respectfully received the high-ranking palace commissioner Li Xiancheng proclaiming the sacred decree ordering the members of the Śākya clan in various temples of the capital to chant the Great Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra, the Mahāmāyūrī Sūtra, and others, diligently praying to stop the rain so as to comply with the sacred heart. Feixi has heard: Even with the supreme sagacity of Emperor Yao, there was no lack of excessive rain; the Mahāmegha Sūtra also contains methods for praying for it to cease. Recently, the downpour seemed continuous, causing worries over flooding. Your Majesty personally laid bare your mind before the Golden Image and constantly burned incense in the Jade Palace. Thereupon, clear sunlight ascended, piercing the thick clouds to shine in all four directions; a gentle breeze arose, sweeping away the mist in all eight directions. The sacrificial grain can be expected, and granaries will ever overflow. These are all due to the supreme dedication of heavenly compassion; what could we monks know of it? Everyone among the religious and the laity cannot bear their gratitude. We respectfully submit this memorial via the palace commissioner Li Xiancheng to offer our congratulations and bring them to your hearing. The śramaṇa Feixi and others state this with sincere joy and leaping delight.

5.134

The first day of the ninth month of the twelfth year of Dali.

5.135

Memorial submitted by the śramaṇa Feixi on behalf of the members of the Śākya clan in the capital.

5.136

The Baoying Yuansheng Wenwu Emperor replied:

5.137

The master is a leader of the black-robed sangha. Remaining long in the ritual arena, you have diligently formed pure connections and your blessings assist the common people. Protected by the true sages, the lingering overcast has gradually dispersed. You should further increase your reverent sincerity, so that auspicious blessings may flow throughout the state and the family. We acknowledge your congratulations.

5.138

Memorial of Congratulation on Praying for Rain at the Mountain Pool, with One Title

5.139

The śramaṇas Juechao, Huizhao, and others state: On the fifteenth day of this month, the palace commissioner Yang Guibin arrived and reverently proclaimed the sacred decree ordering Juechao and others to pray for rain for seven days at the mountain pool in Nanshan. Your Majesty humbles yourself to nurture all creatures, worrying about sweet rain in its proper season; taking the people's heart as your own heart, you pity the farmers who look forward to a bountiful year. Thus, where there is a numinous presence you always offer prayers, and miraculous traces are successfully petitioned. The ten thousand families bear the grace of your loving kindness, and the myriad living beings rejoice in the duty of a father and mother. Lately, though rain fell rarely, the hundred grasses were all moistened; drought gave no cause for worry, and the five grains all flourished. This is because Your Majesty's alignment with the Way of Heaven operates imperceptibly, and your harmonization of primal nature accords internally. Juechao and the others, in our foolishness, cannot bear our immense celebration; since all people possess consciousness, how could they exceed the heights of our joyous veneration? Upon respectfully receiving the sacred decree, Juechao immediately established the ritual arena, maintaining pure sincerity day and night to comply with the imperial intention, not daring to be negligent, so as to manifest the radiant imperial mandate. When the recitation of the scriptures had just begun for one night, clouds and mist suddenly moistened the mountains and rivers; before the prayers had lasted two days, copious rain quickly poured down upon the city and the palace. Thus we know that the resonance of a Yao-like era responds mysteriously in an instant; the plans of a Shun-like day produce auspicious omens without delay. The planted shoots and grain suddenly seemed to have gained enrichment; all that was considered grain reserves will truly become even more abundant and cheap. Juechao, together with the rustic elders of the villages, dancing and leaping with joy, found ourselves waving our arms in the alleys without realizing it; as the rain fell and ceased, our feet naturally stamped in the streets. Unable to bear our utmost joyful leaping, we respectfully submit this memorial to present our congratulations and bring them to your hearing. The śramaṇas Juechao, Huizhao, and others state this with sincere joy and delight.

5.140

The twentieth day of the sixth month of the seventh year of Dali.

5.141

Memorial submitted by the śramaṇas Juechao, Huiran, and others of Baoshou Temple.

5.142

The Baoying Yuansheng Wenwu Emperor replied:

5.143

The masters practice walking meditation and seated dhyāna, having long realized the unarisen. Your thoughts are deep for the homeland, and your sincerity petitioned for enriching rain. The holy and the true extended their protection, and the scattered rain responded in due time, moistening the autumn fields and bringing flourishing fine crops. With the autumn harvest now in sight, We feel humbled by your diligent labor. We acknowledge your congratulations.

5.144

Memorial of Request to Resign from the Inner Ritual Arena and State Our Feelings, with One Title

5.145

The recitation śramaṇas Juechao, Huihai, and others of the Hall of Longevity Ritual Arena state: Juechao, Huihai, and others have never had virtue or achievements, falsely counted among the black-robed order. Following and attending our late master, we entered and exited the palace enclosure. We shared in the imperial meals for food and reduced our clothing to heavenly robes; we rode in stable horses and official carriages for going and coming. Passing the months and years like this for more than fifteen years, the bestowed special favors have accumulated into hills and mountains. Yet regarding our merit in repaying the state, we possess not even the slightest speck. Reflecting upon our lives, how can we bear our shame? Furthermore, those who leave the household life receive the Buddha's teachings to cultivate merit purely and are ordered to reside in monasteries. Remaining in the imperial palace for a long time truly invites public criticism. Thinking about this day and night, how can our feelings be at peace? We specially beg Your Sacred Compassion to descend and show pity by releasing us to each return to our original temples to practice the Way for the state. As for what the field of merit aids, how could it be limited to within the court or outside it? Unable to bear our utmost reverent devotion, we respectfully submit this memorial via the palace commissioner Li Xiancheng to state our request and bring it to your hearing. The śramaṇas Juechao, Huihai, and others state this with sincere awe and fear.

5.146

The twenty-second day of the fifth month of the twelfth year of Dali.

5.147

Memorial submitted by the recitation śramaṇas Juechao, Huihai, and others.

5.148

The Baoying Yuansheng Wenwu Emperor replied:

5.149

You masters cultivate wondrous practices with pure devotion and firmly uphold true enlightenment. Retaining you in the palace enclosure is to expand superior causes. Where there is neither going nor coming, why must you go so far as to decline and resign?

5.150

Memorial of Congratulation on Praying for Rain, with One Title (together with the Imperial Reply)

5.151

The śramaṇa Juechao and others state: On the twenty-seventh day of the eighth month, we respectfully received the palace commissioner Wei Xinglin proclaiming the sacred decree: as the heavy rain has lingered for long, order was given to stop the rain. Juechao and the others, suddenly receiving the imperial words, doubled our reverent sincerity, praying to the naga spirits day and night with pure devotion and exhausting our heartfelt effort. Supported by Your Majesty's heavenly majesty, the clouds gathered and the rain stopped, and the autumn crops were all assisted in flourishing and bearing fruit. We humbly reflect that the Emperor's sagacious virtue moves heaven and nurtures all creatures like children; the entire land rejoices in heart, and the hundred officials all celebrate. The monks of the ritual arena cannot bear our utmost joyful leaping. We respectfully submit this memorial via the palace commissioner Yue Lingqin to present our congratulations and bring them to your hearing. The śramaṇa Juechao and others state this with sincere joy and delight.

5.152

The first day of the ninth month of the twelfth year of Dali.

5.153

Memorial submitted by the śramaṇa Juechao and others of the Hall of Longevity Ritual Arena.

5.154

The Baoying Yuansheng Wenwu Emperor replied:

5.155

5.156

Memorial of Congratulation on the Defeat of the Tibetans, with One Title (together with the Imperial Reply)

5.157

The śramaṇa Juechao and others state: We humbly have seen the victory banner reporting that the generals and soldiers under Ziyi defeated the Tibetans, capturing several thousand alive and beheading more than ten thousand. We have heard that by punishing rebellion through compliance, the raising of troops is bound to succeed; by curbing disorder through righteousness, every military action is victorious. Recently, the Tibetan scoundrels broke their treaties and dared to betray the state's grace, leading troops to the frontier and encroaching upon our territory. We humbly reflect that Your Majesty's sagacious strategies reach the spirits and your heavenly majesty shakes far and wide, moving like splitting bamboo or like a fire burning across a plain. Their chieftains were captured and corpses filled the wilderness. Juechao and the others, humbly belonging to the Śākya clan, rejoice that the fortune of the state has been cleared. Unable to bear our utmost celebration and leaping joy, we respectfully submit this memorial to present our congratulations and bring them to your hearing. The śramaṇa Juechao and others state this with sincere joy and delight.

5.158

The twenty-eighth day of the eighth month of the twelfth year of Dali.

5.159

Memorial submitted by the śramaṇa Juechao and others of Baoshou Temple in the Inner Ritual Arena.

5.160

The Baoying Yuansheng Wenwu Emperor replied:

5.161

The Western Tibetans betrayed Our grace, and the commander-in-chief laid his strategies. The Way of Heaven aided what is right, annihilating their evil chieftains. You masters of the Śākya clan should also feel consoled by this. We acknowledge your congratulations.

5.162

Memorial of Congratulation on Praying for Rain at the Jade Maiden Pool, with One Title (together with the Imperial Reply)

5.163

The śramaṇa Huichao states: On the twenty-sixth day of the preceding month, I respectfully received the palace commissioner Li Xiancheng proclaiming the verbal imperial edict ordering Huichao to go to the Jade Maiden Pool in Zhouzhi County to tend incense and fire and pray for rain. Huichao lacks refined cultivation in conduct and falsely conveyed the heavenly decree. Yet the numinous response of the mountains and streams was not indifferent to the prayer: when the altar arena was first erected, the sound of the stream suddenly roared; and when the relics were cast into the water, the rain fell in dense strands like thread. In a single night, grass and trees flourished; over two nights, rivers and plains overflowed with waters. The moisture ran deep into the parched lands, and celebration suffused humans and spirits alike. We humbly reflect that Your Majesty's sagacious virtue moves heaven, so heavenly moisture descended beforehand; how could it be that an insignificant creature like Huichao moved it through sincere devotion? Unable to bear my utmost joy and leaping celebration, I respectfully submit this memorial via the palace commissioner Li Xiancheng upon his entering to report, in order to present my congratulations and bring them to your hearing. The śramaṇa Huichao states this with sincere awe and fear.

5.164

Memorial submitted by the śramaṇa Huichao of the Inner Ritual Arena on the fifth day of the second month of the ninth year of Dali.

5.165

The Baoying Yuansheng Wenwu Emperor replied:

5.166

"I diligently care for the common folk and long deeply for seasonal rain. I dispatched messengers across the countryside to pray at sacred shrines everywhere, and harmonious moisture has fallen repeatedly, just at the end of the ten-day period. You, master, have long toiled in reverent purity, diligently purifying the arena; an abundant year can now be expected, which only increases my joy. I have noted your congratulations."

5.167

One piece to the same effect as the preceding text

5.168

The monk Tanzhen and others state: Humbly receiving on the twenty-ninth day of the preceding month the Palace Commissioner Li Xiancheng, who arrived to proclaim the imperial decree commanding Tanzhen and others to recite prayers below the Jade Maiden Pool before the monastery to assist in praying for rain: We humbly reflect that Your Majesty, concerned that there was no accumulated snow in winter and severe drought in spring, was anxious to relieve the common people and sent sincere prayers from afar. When the palace commissioner and others first offered incense, there was not a speck of dust in the sky. Once the imperial decree was proclaimed, a miraculous transformation suddenly occurred: the mountain winds blew intensely as if roaring with thunder, and the waters of the pool grew deep and dark, as if dividing dragons were leaping forth. Thereupon downpours fell, and abundant moisture spread throughout the rivers and plains. The fertile sap thereby began to flow, and grasses and trees burst into bud because of it. The common people rejoice and sustain it; its daily benefits are difficult to recount. Tanzhen and the others study the Way during an enlightened age, living in secluded cliffs and valleys. Fortunately bathed in imperial grace, we dance with leaping joy all the more, unable to bear our supreme rejoicing. We respectfully present this memorial through the Palace Commissioner Li Xiancheng to offer our congratulations. The monk Tanzhen and others speak with sincere fear and sincere trepidation.

5.169

Memorial submitted on the third day of the second month of the ninth year of Dali by the monk Tanzhen of Xianyou Monastery in Zhouzhi County

5.170

The Emperor of Baoying, Prime Sagacity, and Civil and Martial Virtue replied: (Decree same as the preceding)

5.171

One memorial by Daorun of the Platform of Efficacious Response congratulating the pacification of Henan

5.172

The monk Daorun and others who recite [mantras] and supervise the Avalokiteśvara Arena at the Platform of Efficacious Response state: We humbly have learned that the generals of Henan have retaken Bianzhou, utterly defeated Tian Huang, and captured Lingyao alive. Those unfilial owls and predatory beasts disintegrated within twelve days; their wasp-and-scorpion venom dissolved like ice. Heaven, earth, humans, and gods all celebrate with joy. We humbly reflect that Your Majesty, the Emperor of Baoying, Prime Sagacity, and Civil and Martial Virtue, relies on the correct teaching of the Dharma King, practices the great compassion of Avalokiteśvara, and loves the common people like children, fearing that even a single creature may lose its place. Yet those mad ruffians willfully rebelled and defied Heaven; indeed, it was not that Heaven punished them, but that they brought disaster upon themselves. Now the Yellow River runs clear and the seas are calm; the sun shines pleasantly and the mountains are bright. We still hear that the Heavenly Army is summoning its remaining bravery, and the capture and execution of Chengsi will certainly not be long off. How exceedingly fortunate are we humble monks at this time! Looking up to receive imperial grace, the rivers and seas are not so deep. Unable to bear our supreme joy and delight, we respectfully submit this memorial via the Palace Commissioner Li Xiancheng to offer our congratulations. The monk Daorun speaks with sincere congratulations and sincere joy.

First 172 of 182 passages. Read on

Linked texts (1)

代宗朝贈司空大辨正廣智三藏和上表制集 — 圓照, Classical Chinese