題葵石居士夢石圖
Inscription on a Painting of Dreaming of a Stone by Layman Kuishi
《華嚴》宗旨，以法界惟心造，正與大《易》感而遂通天下之故，一機軸也。聖凡之依正，皆感心業而成，即佛祖神道，亦以感應始交。文恪朱公以廷對第一至翰林時，夢家園葵花大開，感生子葵，公喜其有向日之忠，因字葵焉。及公成人，忽自夢於古剎彌勒前，見鳥雀有失群者，觸石而殞，乃自創曰：「禽鳥有至性尚不滅，奈何人不如乎？」俄空中有神告曰：「善哉！果以一念之忠貞，足感千秋之靈應。」公不覺毅然化為石峰，炯炯乎若有至大至剛之氣充塞於天壤者。驚而寤，乃自命為葵石。以故一生居家出仕，無不感此忠貞而發諸事業，此父子傳神之學，且世為法門柱石。故予十年前契闊，今又晤公於針劄不入處，當能石上栽花，笑倒南泉，無措手口也。更為之題云。
The essence of the *Avatamsaka Sutra* lies in the teaching that the entire Dharma realm is created by the mind alone, which aligns perfectly with the principle in the *Great Book of Changes* that "through resonance, one comprehends the workings of the world"—both share the same core truth. The environments and circumstances of sages and ordinary beings alike are shaped by the karma generated by their minds. Even the interactions between Buddhas, patriarchs, and divine beings begin with resonance and response.
When Lord Zhu, the Duke of Wenke, achieved first place in the imperial examination and entered the Hanlin Academy, he dreamed of sunflowers blooming abundantly in his family garden. Moved by this, he named his son "Kui" (Sunflower), rejoicing in the sunflower's loyalty to the sun. When his son grew up, he suddenly dreamed of standing before the Maitreya Buddha in an ancient temple, where he saw a lost bird strike a rock and perish. Deeply moved, he reflected, "Even birds possess such unwavering nature—how can humans fall short?" Suddenly, a divine voice echoed in the air: "Excellent! With a single thought of loyalty and integrity, one can resonate with spiritual responses across millennia." Without realizing it, he transformed into a towering stone peak, radiating a vast and unyielding energy that filled heaven and earth. Startled awake, he named himself "Kui Shi" (Sunflower Stone).
Thus, throughout his life—whether at home or in service to the state—he was guided by this loyalty and integrity, manifesting it in all his endeavors. This legacy of spiritual transmission between father and son has made their family a pillar of the Dharma gate for generations.
Having parted ways a decade ago, I now meet him again in a place where even a needle cannot penetrate—a testament to his ability to "plant flowers on stone," a feat that would make even Nanquan laugh in amazement, leaving one speechless and awestruck. And so, I offer this inscription in his honor.