常州分別獨向前

自普陀山法華庵起香之四禪人。中途覺得艱難。屢告退。公婉詞勸之。令勿生退志。至此四人決意告別。公觀其退意已定。只可聽之。囑呼世尊雪山修道。四從者尚皆辭去。道侶不易也。

宣化偈曰：
大任降世苦其行。餓其體膚勞其筋。
無黨無偏無依賴。自行自拜自登程。

Parting company at Chang Chou and going on alone

The four Ch'an monks from Fa Hua Temple on P'u T'ou Mountain, who carried incense for the Master, began to feel the adversities and difficulties of the journey, and often spoke of returning. The Master exhorted them with kind words so that they would not speak of losing their resolve. At that, the foursome decided they would definitely part company with him. Upon hearing their staunch intent to withdraw, the Master did nothing but listen. Alas! Even when the World Honored One cultivated in the Himalayas, his four attendants also left him. To have companions along the Way is not easy at all.

The verse says:
Shouldering a great mission, he underwent bitter suffering.
He endured hunger and continued to strain his muscles.
He was impartial and free of bias since he had no point of dependence.
Isolated in practice, bowing by himself, he forged ahead.