15.離俗偕從弟 Being accompanied by his cousin Fu Kuo, he leaves laylife behind

離俗偕從弟

公與從弟富國手足情深。兄友弟恭。富國對佛法亦素有研討。故與公志同道合。趣味相投。是以于十九之年探悉福州鼓山之旅程。偕富國同往。別時作皮袋歌一章贈田譚二氏。

宣化偈曰： 佛化堂弟度阿難。公偕富國上鼓山。 殊途同歸一鼻孔。彼丈夫兮我亦然。

Being accompanied by his cousin Fu Kuo, he leaves laylife behind

Between the Master and his first cousin Fu Kuo was a deep bond of brotherly friendship and respect. Fu Kuo also had previously explored the Buddhadharma and had the same aspiration as the Master, so they amicably traveled the Path together. In his nineteenth year, the Master, accompanied by Fu Kuo, started the journey to Ku Shan (Drum Mountain) in Fu Chou to leave home. Before leaving, he wrote the “Ode to the Skinbag” which he left behind for the T’ien and T’an women.

The verse says: The Buddha instructed his first cousin, crossing Ananda over. The Master brought along Fu Kuo and ascended Ku Shan Mountain. Although from different walks of life, they shared the same intent. How like the courageous heroes of old was the Master Yun!