律相感通傳 1.2

1.2

Great Master Chengzhao of Zhongnan Mountain under the Tang thoroughly understood the Tripiṭaka and was especially refined in the Vinaya. Personally inheriting the school of Dharmagupta, he propagated and promoted it in every direction. Because of him, the disciples of the Śākya clan throughout the world did not lose what makes the saṅgha the saṅgha, just as when spring moves across the great earth and all things are bathed in its moisture. Moreover, his propagation was based on the intention to reveal the truth and assist its exposition, causing all students to settle their minds in the vehicle of the ultimate perfection. The holy monk Piṇḍola once manifested his form to him and praised him as the foremost in propagating the Vinaya since the Buddha's parinirvāṇa; how could it be otherwise? Because his upholding of the precepts was so extraordinary, the radiance of his precepts penetrated straight up into the heavenly palaces, moving the devas and spirit-generals to come constantly to protect him and offer him heavenly food. Thus, with regard to all matters that could be questioned, he raised them one by one, and the heavenly spirits answered each in turn as they were asked. The Great Master recorded those portions discussing the aspects of the Vinaya to make one fascicle, which is this Lüxiang gantong zhuan. This Record has circulated in our country for a long time; regrettably, its printed editions could not avoid textual errors. Recently, the monk Kōjun'en obtained various editions, collated them, and wishing to recarve and distribute them, came to ask me for a preface. In the past, Chan Master Dahui often read this Record and frequently took the matters within it to conduct himself and guide others, admiring the Great Master in emulation. Nowadays, there may be some who do not believe this Record and impulsively produce slanders; as the saying goes about wanting to outshine the sun and moon, this mostly shows that they do not know their own measure. The circulation of this Record certainly did not depend on my words; however, Kōjun'en loves learning and planted the aspiration to support our school, and so I have written this. May those who read this Record perhaps increase their veneration and faith! At this time,