廣弘明集 15.96

15.96

勅云。去歲令虞闡等撰佛記。并作序。序體不稱。頻治改猶未盡致。尋佛教因三假以寄法。籍二諦以明理。達相求宗不著會道。論其指歸似未至極。乃不應以此相煩。亦是一途善事。可得為厝筆。以不故指勅。闡等結序末體又似小異。臣約言。佛記序今謹以上呈。詞義無取。伏懷自恧。謹啟。

The imperial decree stated: 'Last year, we ordered Yu Chan and others to compile the Records of the Buddha and write a preface. The stylistic form of the preface was not fitting; though repeatedly revised, it has not yet achieved the ideal standard. We observe that the Buddhist teachings rely on the three designations to convey the Dharma, and depend on the two truths to clarify the principle, penetrating characteristics to seek the fundamental, and non-attachment to harmonize with the Way. In terms of their ultimate purport, they seemed not yet to have reached the utmost. We ought not to trouble you with this, yet it is one branch of meritorious deed. May you apply your brush to it? For this reason we explicitly issue this decree. The conclusion of Chan and the others' preface also appeared somewhat peculiar.' Your servant Shen Yue states: 'The preface to the Records of the Buddha is now reverently submitted. Its phrasing and meaning are worthless, and I inwardly harbor deep shame. Reverently presented.'