景德傳燈錄 30.11

30.11

The Dharma Master was from Southern India in the Western Regions, the third son of a great Brahmin king. His spiritual wisdom was open and bright; whatever he heard he comprehended. His aspiration lay in the Great Vehicle; thus he renounced the white robes of a layperson for the black robes of a monastic, continuing and prospering the sacred lineage. Merging his mind in the empty and serene, he thoroughly perceived worldly affairs. Luminous both within and without, his virtue surpassed the worldly plane. Lamenting that the correct teachings were decaying in borderlands, he was able to journey far across mountains and seas, traveling to convert the Han and Wei regions. Those of non-discriminating mind without exception took refuge and believed; those who clung to views gave rise to ridicule and slander. At that time, there were only Daoyu and Huike; these two śramaṇas, though younger in years, possessed extraordinary resolve and high aims. Fortunate to encounter the Dharma Master, they served him for several years, reverently inquiring and receiving instruction, well grasping the master's intent. Moved by their sincerity, the Dharma Master instructed them in the true Path: causing them to pacify the mind in this way, to arouse practice in this way, to accord with things in this way, and to employ skillful means in this way. This is the Mahāyāna method of pacifying the mind, preventing any error. 'Pacifying the mind in this way' is wall-contemplation. 'Arousing practice in this way' is the four practices. 'According with things in this way' is guarding against ridicule and blame. 'Employing skillful means in this way' is letting them go without attachment. This is a brief preface explaining the reasons thereof.