樂邦文類 3.110

3.110

After the founding of the Lotus Society with Lord Yuan as the first patriarch, from the master's passing until now, the fifth year of Qingyuan in the Great Song, the jiwei year, eight hundred and nine years have elapsed. During this time, five masters succeeded to this path: first, Master Shandao; second, Master Fazhao; third, Master Shaokang; fourth, Master Shengchang; and fifth, Master Zongze. These five masters all reverently embodied the Buddha's compassion and broadly opened the gate of deliverance; though in different ages, they walked the same path, and all were excellent guides for the multitude. What is recorded in the biographies truly cannot be obscured; therefore, they are recorded here as succeeding patriarchs.