四明尊者教行錄 2.10

2.10

One day, a student bowed his head and said: 'The method of the sixteen contemplations is the essential ferry to liberation. I have heard of it for years and investigated it with modest diligence, yet the path of contemplation is not yet clear; where can practice be grounded? I venture to ask for resolution, so that it may serve as a standard.' I said: 'The commentary and explanation are perspicuous; what doubt could there be? If there is any blockage, let me try to clear it for you.' Thereupon, responding to each question, I cited texts for verification. After several exchanges, the purport gradually became clear. Fearing that future students might not hear of this, I recorded it to show them, hoping that through this explanation, all obstructed minds may be integrated. Self-prefaced on the Double Ninth Day of the seventh year (jiayin) of the Dazhong Xiangfu era of the August Song (1014 CE).