諸經要集 4.39

4.39

The intent of eulogizing and narrating is lodged in the texts of chants and songs. The texts of chants and songs rely upon vocal sounds. Therefore, when chants and songs are skillful, the intent of eulogizing and narrating is expressed; when vocal sounds are wondrous, the texts of chants and songs flow smoothly. Words depend on sounds: this is the principle of mutual reliance. Examining the West, its use of pāṭha (bei) is like the East's use of praises (zan). A praise follows the text to form a composition; a pāṭha uses short verses to let eulogies flow forth. Comparing their matters and meanings, the names differ but the reality is the same. For this reason, the sūtras say: "To sing and praise the Buddha's virtues with subtle and wondrous sounds"—this is what it refers to. In the past, when the Śākya Venerable entered concentration, the harp song vibrated in the stone cave; when Bhaddiya raised his chant, the pure echoes reached the Pure Abodes. The supreme sounds that awaken the world can surely never be adequately praised! Coming down to the final age, cultivating and practicing them has had clear efficacy. Thus the concentrated contemplation of the Prince of Chensi was moved by the Sanskrit chanting at Mount Yu; the vow of Bai Qiao connected with the wondrous voice of the Great Being; Yaolian's diligent practice received Dharma melodies from dark deities; Emperor Wenxuan's spurred sincerity brought forth dream echoes in his fasting chamber. All of them were able to express the atmosphere of celestial palaces and emulate the sounds of pure realms, modulating phrasing and melodies, and intoning rhythmic cadence. These are also evident proofs of divine response and clear models for students. Tracing the origin of sūtra sounds to their excellence: their wondrousness arises from spontaneity. Composition and application can be cultivated, but the refinement of resonance is not mere practice. It is that by which the voice of the Way shines forth, transforming worldly hearing. It should be made pure yet not weak, heroic yet not ferocious, flowing yet not excessive, collected yet not stagnant; evoking the style of Jetavana and Vulture Peak, weaving a cadence with the aura of the heavens. Heard from afar, it is vast, lofty, and elegant; attended up close, it is relaxed, harmonious, and reverent. This is its broad outline. When sūtras speak of the "deep and far-reaching thunderous voice," is it not precisely this? As for hymns and praises strung through a retreat: when the assembly gathers for a long time, the night drags on, late hours approach, the incense is burnt out, and candles are shrouded, the cover of sleep overspreads their six senses, and the knot of indolence entangles their four limbs. Thereupon, selecting wondrous resonances, [the chanter] ascends the seat; choosing sublime sounds, he unrolls the scroll. When the musical notes of the chant are sounded, jade vibrates and metal reverberates, flying in all directions to sadden and delight the sevenfold assembly, matching the voice of the kalaviṅka and equaling the cry of the divine luan-phoenix. It can reawaken sleeping souls and restore reverent discipline to indolent minds. The entire hall is startled to attention; those seated in rows are gladdened in heart. At that very moment, one recognizes how precious the sound of sūtras is!