勝鬘寶窟 1.5

1.5

the Great Master Jiaxiang Jizang, who was born of distinguished descent in a distant land, endowed with divine spirit in accord with the rivers and peaks, inheriting the fragrant model of Nāgārjuna and fathoming the secret import of Vulture Peak. The sharpness of his debate rivaled Kātyāyana, his clarity surpassing the autumn cicada; his store of wisdom vied with Śāriputra, his beauty compared to the spring bird. He was truly an eminent guide and brilliant standard of the Dharma gate after the Buddha's demise. Thereupon, lamenting that the subtle words had ceased and grieving that the decadent trends remained unrevived, he raised his voice in lively discourse, distinguishing the genuine from the specious in doctrinal teachings; he expressed ideas and uttered words, separating the clear from the muddy regarding their purport. He then composed a commentary in several fascicles, revealing this true explanation to make it thoroughly illuminated, and set down over a hundred thousand words, unfolding this profound meaning with radiant brilliance. Without yet speaking of those who delve deeply into it and thereupon open the golden treasury, even those who merely browse it truly catch a glimpse into the treasure cave—is this not waking up the drunken and showing them the jeweled chariot? Now, its transmission to our realm certainly crossed ten thousand folds of surging waves, and reaching the present day it has also traversed over a thousand years. While in China it has already ended up lost to oblivion, in the Land of the Mulberry it never fell into the hands of fire. Nevertheless, preserved in secret manuscript copies, it did not moisten the parched throats of students; stored in the treasuries of monastaries, how could it satisfy the longing of those who admire antiquity? Moreover, dampness and mold were a constant concern, and how could one guard against silverfish damage? I have long venerated this sūtra, my mind yearning for its profound depth; once having obtained this commentary, my chest thawed like layered ice. Considering that the way is found in village or field, why neglect the bookshops? And hearing that it is carved on tree or stone, why should one be selective about jujube or pear wood? Thereupon, regardless of my own limitations, I humbly sought to propagate it widely. Repeatedly proofreading and collating, I still feared lingering errors like the confusion between lu and yu; I nevertheless commanded the carvers, and was pleased to avoid the blunders of mistaking liao for he. What is hoped is that the men and women who open and revere it will together form a bond for the future, and that the benevolent and wise who are embraced will together ride the ekayāna. So it is said.