高僧傳 8.17

8.17

At the beginning of the reign of Emperor Ming of the Song dynasty, an imperial decree ordered that he be provided with supplies and dispatched to the capital, where he stayed at Lingji Temple. His lectures continued uninterrupted, and those receiving instruction flocked to him in crowds. He clarified that the doctrine of the two truths had three different lineages. At that time, Zhou Yong of Runan also composed the *Treatise on the Three Lineages* (San zong lun). Since it agreed with Lin's own views, Lin was deeply delighted and wrote a letter to Yong saying: "Recently I heard that you, dānapati, have articulated new meanings of the two truths and laid out the choices among the three lineages. The sound is distinct from ordinary tunes; though the advancement of beings may not be as rapid as this poor monk's humble wish, I consider that among the principles under heaven, only this one hits the mark. Were it not so, it would not be the true principle. It is for this reason that I urged you to put brush to paper quickly. Lately, seeing travelers coming and going, I have heard that your treatise is completed, and I am filled with rejoicing, holding it in exceptionally high regard. Furthermore, I have received word that you, dānapati, fear that proposing something extraordinary will offend the scholarly community, so that although the treatise is completed, you have determined not to publish it. Hearing this, I was so alarmed that I could neither sleep nor rise in peace. The import of this doctrine seems not to be expounded for the first time; yet this wonderful sound has been interrupted for sixty-seven years, and its principle so surpasses ordinary modes that none have been able to transmit it. When this poor monk was twenty, I had the fortune of attaining this doctrine. I always thought that by relying on this subtle awakening, one could attain the Way. In secret I was always joyful, but had no one to share it with. In my youth I met elders in Chang'an, and many said that among the eminent masters of Guanzhong, this doctrine had existed of old. When Dharma assemblies flourished, there were never many who could deeply grasp this import. Since it transgressed conventional feelings, fewer of the later generations came to listen and receive it; and of those who transmitted it across the river to the east, there was virtually no one. Since I took up the chowry over forty years ago, lecturing east and west, I have been mistakenly honoured for a time; my other theoretical frameworks have mostly been recognized and recorded, but concerning this particular path, not a single person among clergy or laity has grasped it. For many years I fell ill over this, and now, infirm with declining years, and moreover having to return west morning and night, I reflect that this Way will from now on be cut off and never spoken. Yet your inspiration arose without precedent, independently originating beyond the mundane, and unexpectedly this sound has entered my ears. Both joyful and comforted, there is truly no comparison. Establishing and clarifying this doctrine so that the lamp of the Dharma has continuity is truly the foremost merit in walking the Way. Even if one were to offer kingdoms, cities, wives, and children to the Buddha and the Saṃgha, the blessing and benefit would not surpass this. Since you have fortunately expounded it, I trust it is fitting to proclaim it broadly so that those who appreciate the tune may see it. In treatises clarifying the Dharma principles, one must not yield to another in doing what is right; how could you take pity on the hearts of the multitude so as to stifle this rare import? If this treatise, once completed, is then abandoned, I fear that in the future, dānapati, this might become a great obstruction for you. These past words are earnest, certainly not frivolous talk. I hope you will copy a manuscript to bestow on this poor monk, so that I may take it with me on my return to the west and propagate it everywhere. Recently I have had minor encumbrances, and thus have entered the mountains to write this; I look forward with deep anticipation to your granting it to me." Yong therefore published the treatise. Thus the essential purport of the three lineages has been transmitted down to the present day.