佛祖統紀 1.40

1.40

近世諸師。立傳之法。當用三例。一曰觀行修明。二曰講訓有旨。三曰著書明宗。非此三例濫矣。至於經理法事旁贊教門者。又將錄之。俾後人有所懷仰。若夫搢紳名賢儒生居士。能知此道者。非有宿熏之功。疇克至是。以故時有所取云。釋題義。

In establishing biographies for the masters of recent times, three criteria should be applied: first, contemplative practice cultivated with clarity; second, lecturing and instructing with essential intent; third, composing writings to elucidate the school. Those outside these three criteria are spurious. As for those who managed Dharma affairs and assisted the doctrinal school from without, they are also recorded so that later generations may cherish and revere them. As for court officials, eminent worthies, Confucian scholars, and lay devotees who were able to comprehend this Way, had they not possessed the merit of past perfuming, who among them could have attained such? For this reason, selections have occasionally been made from them. Explanation of the Title and Its Meaning: