[23] See [note 42] to No. II.
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[24] Literally, “ploughing with my pen.”
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[25] The patra or bowl, used by Buddhist mendicants, in imitation of the celebrated alms-dish of Shâkyamuni Buddha.
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[26] Literally, “scratched my head,” as is often done by the Chinese in perplexity or doubt.
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[27] Alluding to the priest Dharma-nandi, who came from India to China, and tried to convert the Emperor Wu Ti of the Liang Dynasty; but, failing in his attempt, he retired full of mortification to a temple at Sung-shan, where he sat for nine years before a rock, until his own image was imprinted thereon.
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[28] The six gâti or conditions of existence, namely: angels, men, demons, hungry devils, brute beasts, and tortured sinners.
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[29] Literally, “putting together the pieces under the forelegs (of foxes) to make robes.” This part of the fox-skin is the most valuable for making fur clothes.
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[30] The work of a well-known writer, named Lin I-ch‘ing, who flourished during the Sung Dynasty.
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[31] Alluding to an essay by Han Fei, a philosopher of the third century B.C., in which he laments the iniquity of the age in general, and the corruption of officials in particular. He finally committed suicide in prison, where he had been cast by the intrigues of a rival minister.
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[32] Confucius (Gospel xiv., sec. 37) said, “Alas! there is no one who knows me (to be what I am).”
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