黄沙岭古庙重病
至十三日抵黄沙岭。顶破庙无遮蔽。已不能行。歇下。不进饮食。日泻数十次。起动无力。过往无人。瞑目待毙而已。然无悔念也。由此可见。公一生之自强不息精神。难行能行。愿力坚固。
宣化偈曰:
带病拜香是勉强。卧薪尝胆吴越王。
瞑目待终真放下。全无悔意坦荡荡。
Becoming stricken with illness at an ancient temple on Huang Sha Ling Mountain
The Master reached Huang Sha Ling on the thirteenth. On the mountaintop, he found the ruins of an ancient temple, which offered no shelter because the roof was broken. Since he could no longer walk, the Master stopped here. He had not been eating but defecated frequently. Because he was totally devoid of strength to get up and leave that deserted area, the Master closed his eyes and waited for death to come. He did not regret any of his actions. One can see quite clearly that during his whole life, his best efforts never subsided. He was able to accomplish difficult tasks because his vows were solid and firm.
The verse says:
Although he was sick, he forced himself to continue making prostrations.
He lay down on the straw and tasted bile like the King of Yueh.
Closing his eyes, he waited for death, having truly put it all down.
With no regrets for the vows he had made, he remained in the vastness of peace.