彰所知論 1.3

1.3

夫出三界者惟佛，佛以大事因緣故出現於世，憫化群生，此亘古不磨之善也。大元帝師，洞徹三乘、性行如春，仁而穆穆不可量。裕皇潛邸，久知師之正傳，敬詣請師敷教於躬。師篤施靜志，弘揚帝緒、大播宗風，彰其所知、造其所論，究其文理、推其法義，皎如日月、廣於天地。蓋如來之事，非聖者孰能明之？總統雪巖翁，英姿間世、聽授過人，久侍師之法席，默譯此論，見傳於世。公昔與予會閩，交情相照、愛同昆仲，公固肯予為序。予抗塵幻海、絕筆踈硯，豈足發正教之光耶？公笑之曰：汝何謙哉！予不敢辭，遂序焉。

Now, the only one who transcends the three realms is the Buddha. The Buddha appeared in the world on account of a great cause and condition, out of compassion to transform all living beings; this is a good that will never wear away throughout eternity. The Imperial Preceptor of the Great Yuan thoroughly penetrated the three vehicles; his nature and conduct were like spring, benevolent and majestic beyond measure. When Emperor Yuhuang was still in his dragon mansion, he had long known of the master's orthodox transmission, and respectfully went to entreat the master to expound the teaching to him in person. The master sincerely applied his tranquil intention to magnify the imperial lineage and widely spread the lineage's tradition, elucidating what he knew and composing this treatise. In investigating its textual principles and deducing its doctrinal meanings, it is as bright as the sun and moon and as vast as heaven and earth. Indeed, as for the affairs of the Tathāgata, who could illuminate them if not a sage? The Superior-Administrator, the venerable Xueyan, possessed extraordinary talent appearing but once in an age, with comprehension surpassing others. Having long attended the master's Dharma assembly, he translated this treatise in silence so that it might be transmitted to the world. Formerly, the master and I met in Min; our friendship reflected each other's, with an affection like that between brothers, and the master firmly requested that I compose a preface. I struggle amidst the dust of the phantom ocean and have long set aside brush and inkstone; how could I be fit to shine forth the light of the orthodox teaching? The master smiled at me and said, "Why are you so modest?" I dared not decline, and so have written this preface.