釋迦方志 2.97

2.97

The Dharma King's auspicious appearance did not separate centre and periphery; adapting conversions without fixed means, how could he rely solely on physical teachings? Consequently, hearing the same, their understandings differed; expounding one, their realizations were distinct. Some ascended to stages of fruition and journeyed upward; some, bound by attachments and delusions, descended downward. There are forms of whole bodies and divided bodies; rites of collected stūpas and scattered stūpas. When divine light shines, deviant views are destroyed; when sacred traces emerge, deep faith is bound. These followers are many, fully listed in the preceding chapter. Since the Dharma waters flowed east and the light of the Way shone from the west, its lofty fame has surged in the Eastern River. King Aśoka marked stūpas, first opening the prosperous Zhou; the Śākya father's shadowy form flourished under the blazing Han. From then on across successive eras, as generations accumulated, it became ever more abundant. The light was not confined to the Western Heavens to display divine conversion alone. Thus the scripture says: 'When the True Dharma is later propagated, it will first go to the northern quarter, then to the southeast, until in the central quarter it will be extinguished.' This China, looking south toward Huaxu, shows the posture of passing into extinction with his body turned and head to the north—this is precisely the case. Therefore, following the records and compiling them in order, this is made Chapter on the Universal and the Particular.