佛祖統紀 47.6

47.6

The commentary says: The Mārīcī Sūtra has three translations in the canon. Only the version by Tianxizai of our dynasty contains the most incantations and ritual methods. Emperor Renzong personally composed an imperial preface to place at its head. Although one did not hear of people practicing its rites at that time, the karmic affinity of the Bodhisattva had already begun prior to this era. When Gaozong crossed to the south, Longyou received instruction from the venerable master and obtained the response of enshrining her image; Li Jue pleaded for his life before a spirit and achieved the efficacy of chanting her name. How supreme! Her majestic power and compassionate vows are indeed as inconceivable as those of the Great Being of Perfect Penetration. Śākyamuni himself said: 'Because I know this goddess's name, I am able to avoid all perils and calamities.' We can truly believe that the Bodhisattva's primordial source lies even before Śākyamuni. Today, the Central Plains face many troubles, and war has not ceased. If scholar-officials and commoners can practice this most simple method of dispelling calamities—whether for their whole lives or with their entire families—I can see that the Heavenly Mother is able to bring great salvation to humanity.