常州分别独向前

自普陀山法华庵起香之四禅人。中途觉得艰难。屡告退。公婉词劝之。令勿生退志。至此四人决意告别。公观其退意已定。只可听之。嘱呼世尊雪山修道。四从者尚皆辞去。道侣不易也。

宣化偈曰：
大任降世苦其行。饿其体肤劳其筋。
无党无偏无依赖。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.