6月24日

孃回書
吾與汝夙有因緣，始結母子恩愛情分。自從懷孕
禱神佛，願生男兒。胞胎月滿，性命絲懸。得遂願
心，如珠寶惜，糞穢不嫌於臭惡，乳哺不倦於辛勤。
稍自成人，遂令習學。或暫逾時不歸，便作倚門之
望。來書堅要出家，父亡母老，兄薄弟寒，吾何依
賴？子有拋孃之意，孃無捨子之心。一自汝住他方，
日夜常灑悲淚。苦哉！苦哉！今既誓不還鄉，即得
從汝志,不敢望汝如王祥臥冰、丁蘭刻木，但如目
連尊者度我，下脫沉淪，上登佛果；如其不然，
幽譴有在，切宜體悉！

──選自 《洞山悟本禪師語錄》

June 24

My Mother's Response
English translation: John Balcom

You and I are connected by past causes and conditions
to share the love of mother and child. When I became
pregnant, I prayed to the gods and the Buddha, “Give me
a son.” Having borne you full term, my life hung by a
thread. When my wishes came true I treasured you like
a precious gem. You soiled yourself, but I did not mind
the foul smell. I diligently nursed you and did not tire. As
you grew you began to study. Sometimes you would come
home late and I would wait for you in the doorway. Your
letter came, insisting that you wanted to become a monk.
Your father was dead, I had grown old, and you were
without brothers. Who was I to rely on? My son was intent
on abandoning me, but I did not have the mind to abandon
you. Once you left, I wept day and night. Such suffering,
such suffering. Now, since you have vowed not to return
home, I immediately accorded with your will. I do not
wish you to be Wan Xiang who slept on ice, or Ding Lan
who carved wood*. But, like Maudgalyayana**, I wish
you to save me from the cycle of birth and death and to
attain Buddhahood. If this is not the case, then I am still
displeased. Understand my mind.

── from Dongshan Wuben Chanshi Yulu (Records of Chan Master Dongshan Wuben)

* Additional references of classical paragons of filial piety.
** Great disciple of the Buddha known for his supernatural powers.
The Ullambana Sutra describes him discovering his mother suffering
in hell, and asking the Buddha for a way to save her. The Buddha tells
Maudgalyayana to make an offering to the sangha at the end of the
summer retreat period, by which he relieves his mother’s suffering.