法華傳記 1.2

1.2

Indeed, aided by the seeds planted in former lives, Xiang's wondrous cause has hereby unfolded: to circulate the eka-yāna and praise the true text, having my eyes hear what was never heard, and my ears see what was never seen. In the past, beginning with the Yao Qin when the Way was sought, down to the present when our Great Tang possesses all under heaven, the benefits of its circulation were never seen in earlier ages. Sympathetic resonance acts without premeditation, beyond what reckoning can fathom; how could its wondrous benefits, profound and remote, be known by standard measures? Now, I briefly compile what has been seen and heard by my ears and eyes, so as to move and encourage the faith of later generations. I have arranged it into twelve categories, dividing it into ten scrolls: 'Additions and Reductions of Recensions', 'Differences in Times of Hiddenness and Manifestation', 'Dates of Transmission and Translation', 'Branch Recensions Circulating Separately', 'Differences in Treatises and Commentaries', 'Collection of Prefaces by Various Masters', 'Sympathetic Resonances of Expounding and Explaining', 'Exalted Benefits of Chanting and Reciting', 'Eradication of Sins by Revolving Recitation', 'Deliverance from Suffering by Copying', 'Benefits of Listening', and 'Internal and External Offerings'. For each, I briefly cite three to five [accounts] to organize the sections. The phrasing is plain and unadorned, wishing that those who see and hear it may easily awaken; the events are clear and factual, causing faith to be transmitted to future generations. I have further explored new and old works, records, and biographies of the various traditions that have been obtained, recording and extracting them. If later anything is obtained, I also wish to compile it accordingly. If there are omissions in my compilation, perhaps future readers may arrange them in order. Thus may the true text of the wondrous Dharma be broadly promoted, vehicle upon vehicle without end. First I list the table of contents, and subsequently follow with the compilation.