佛祖統紀 51.3

51.3

Ever since the Buddha's Dharma has existed, the reasons for knowing the simultaneous flourishing of the three teachings, the mutual establishment of the various schools, and the impermanence of worldly changes have already been attached to the chronological annals. Yet when one wishes to investigate the origin and outcome of a single affair, the months and years are scattered and diffused, making it impossible to trace. Therefore, I now open up various headings to bring together the essentials of the events, so that those who discuss past precedents may know a certain event under a certain court and a certain year. Here, I merely raise the outlines to point to what is comprehensive.