釋迦方志 1.5

1.5

仰尋。諸佛之降靈也。不可以形相求之。隨機顯晦故得以言章述矣。然學教者統舉為先。傍窮枝葉終非遠致。故於篇首摽其致焉。

Looking up and examining: when the Buddhas descend spiritually, they cannot be sought through forms and appearances; yet appearing and concealing in accord with capacities, they may thus be described in words and writings. However, for those who study the teachings, grasping the overall outline comes first; pursuing branches and leaves will ultimately lead to no profound achievement. Therefore, at the head of the chapters, I mark out their general import.