代宗朝贈司空大辨正廣智三藏和上表制集 6.97

6.97

The śramaṇa Fagao and others state: We humbly received the imperial decree of the fourth day of this month ordering Dharma Master Youze of Zhangjing Temple to lecture on the Suvarṇaprabhāsa Sūtra at our temple. Imperial favors fall upon our countenances; the royal edicts overflow. The Buddhist rites are arranged in due season; the sound of Dharma is formally proclaimed. How can our trivial dust be of any assistance? We tremble in awe, finding no place to stand. We humbly reflect that Your Majesty, the Baoying Yuansheng Wenwu Emperor, governs the world with benevolent transformation and secretly upholds the Dharma. Regarding the eastward flow [of the teachings], You have turned Your gaze southward. Moreover, this temple was founded during the Sui dynasty nearly two hundred years ago; although notable monks have resided here generation after generation, such imperial proclamations have never been heard of before. Now, the decree descends from heaven, and people spring forth from the earth. Though the sūtra remains as of old, the commentary is truly renewed. Monks and nuns are summoned and gallop forward; laymen and laywomen are sought and gather in herds. These are all the wondrous power of the buddhas and the superior conditions of this sūtra, fulfilling Your Majesty's mind of external protection and bringing about the rare good fortune of us monks. We certainly hope it will aid Your sacred reign, enhance the majesty of the state, bring grain harvests in times of peace, and gather all sentient beings into the realm of longevity. We cannot bear the height of our dancing and rejoicing. We respectfully present this memorial to offer our thanks for Your hearing. The śramaṇa Fagao and others speak with true joy and true delight.