Two Precious Scroll Narratives of Guanyin and Her ... - Khamkoo
Two Precious Scroll Narratives of Guanyin and Her ... - Khamkoo
Two Precious Scroll Narratives of Guanyin and Her ... - Khamkoo
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The <strong>Precious</strong> <strong>Scroll</strong> <strong>of</strong> Incense Mountain, Part 2 135<br />
<strong>of</strong> our lord <strong>and</strong> emperor, I have the herbs but need no prescription.’’<br />
The <strong>of</strong>ficer on duty that day said: ‘‘This monk speaks quite convincingly.’’<br />
As quickly as a shooting star, he announced the monk’s arrival<br />
<strong>and</strong> presented him to the emperor.<br />
Flowing over rocks, the river cools down the atmosphere,<br />
Passing through flowers, the breeze brings their fragrance.<br />
Namo Guanshiyin pusa<br />
The <strong>of</strong>ficer on duty that day went inside the palace,<br />
And reported to His Majesty in the Golden Bells Hall.<br />
With eight bows he kowtowed, wished him a myriad <strong>of</strong> years,<br />
Then in plain language said: ‘‘I report to Your Majesty<br />
That some meditation master has arrived from abroad,<br />
At a full sixteen feet tall, he is not your ordinary guy.<br />
On his shoulder he carries a gold <strong>and</strong> tin staff with six rings,<br />
And his body is wrapped in the robe <strong>of</strong> a Buddhist monk.<br />
His mouth mumbles Sanskrit sounds no one underst<strong>and</strong>s,<br />
And his h<strong>and</strong>s finger a hundred kinds <strong>of</strong> maṅi-pearls.<br />
From his staff hang a bundle <strong>of</strong> herbs <strong>and</strong> a calabash,<br />
Their fragrance bombards your nose, fills the whole town!<br />
His head <strong>and</strong> face are covered with sores <strong>of</strong> some kind,<br />
But his friendly words <strong>and</strong> good talk make perfect sense.<br />
He says he can cure every manner <strong>and</strong> kind <strong>of</strong> disease,<br />
For he’s roamed the rivers <strong>and</strong> lakes <strong>and</strong> met with experts.<br />
In foreign countries too, he’s sought the advice <strong>of</strong> sages.<br />
And now he’s removed the placard <strong>and</strong> entered the court.<br />
As he doesn’t dare ascend the hall without authorization,<br />
I have first reported this so that Your Majesty is informed.’’<br />
Hearing this, the emperor showed his joy on his face,<br />
Lifting his fists, 31 he bowed slightly to thank his <strong>of</strong>ficials:<br />
‘‘This is most likely some saintly monk come to save Us!<br />
With some appointment or a reward—I won’t forget his favor!’’<br />
The comm<strong>and</strong>er on duty then asked the emperor for his decision,<br />
<strong>and</strong> brought the monk into the court. As soon as the emperor saw<br />
him, he was filled with joy, <strong>and</strong> he asked the monk: ‘‘Where did<br />
you receive your training?’’ The monk replied: ‘‘I received my train-
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