佛祖統紀 36.76

36.76

述曰。佛法起於漢。至晉而益盛。然競演經論各事專門。獨東林法師。始以念佛三昧之道。開先一時貽則千古。蓋知其為此土人根為道之要。故能結社。招賢來名儒而致高釋。臨終神化。感佛迎以獲往生。斯為一生取證永居不退之至道也。師之言曰。功高易進念佛為先。凡在修門請事斯語云。

The commentary states: The Buddha's Dharma arose in the Han and flourished even more in the Jin. Yet teachers vied to expound sūtras and treatises, each devoting themselves to a specialized lineage. Master Donglin alone first established the path of the samādhi of reciting the Buddha's name, pioneering it for his era and bequeathing a standard for a thousand ages. He surely understood that for the faculties of people in this land, it was the essential method for the Way; therefore he could form the society, gather the worthy, attract famous literati, and draw eminent śramaṇas. At the end of his life, he underwent spiritual transformation, sensing the Buddha's welcome to attain rebirth. This is the supreme Way to realize fruition in a single lifetime and dwell forever in non-retrogression! The Master's words say: 'Merit is high and progress is easy; reciting the Buddha's name comes first.' May all who dwell within the gate of cultivation take heed of these words!