佛祖統紀 50.17

50.17

奇哉。救世明道之書。不圖復行於今也。使王公大人知有此書。必不至信讒以廢毀。使縉紳先生知有此書。必不至立論以觝排。使啟禪關者能讀此書。其肯以教外別傳自欺乎。使尋經論者能讀此書。其肯以分別名相自困乎。矧欲使薄海內外家藏此書展轉開導了達此義。又孰肯貪於粗弊五欲。而不早求解脫者乎。是皆內教弟子。護持教法之大略也。子貢好辨。孔道以明。孟子巖巖。功堪繼禹。斯言概之。誰曰不信。

How extraordinary! A book that saves the world and clarifies the Way—I did not expect it to circulate again today. If princes and dukes knew of this book, they certainly would not believe slander and abolish or destroy it. If officials and literati knew of this book, they certainly would not formulate arguments to attack and reject it. If those who open the barrier of Chan were able to read this book, would they be willing to deceive themselves with a 'special transmission outside the teachings'? If those who search scriptures and treatises were able to read this book, would they be willing to entrap themselves in distinguishing names and marks? How much more so if households throughout the realm kept this book, progressively instructing others to understand this meaning—who then would be greedy for coarse, defiled five desires rather than seeking early liberation? These are the general outlines by which disciples of the inner teaching protect and maintain the Dharma. Zigong was fond of debate, and the Way of Confucius was thereby clarified; Mencius was lofty and dignified, his merit worthy of continuing Yu's work. Summed up in these words, who would say it is not to be believed?