廣弘明集 29.2

29.2

廣弘明者。言其弘護法網開明於有識也。自上九篇隨時布現籌度理路。其緣頗悉。然於志之所之。未備詳覩。如不陳列頌聲何寄。故次編之殷鑒遐邇。且法王御㝢哥頌厥初。梵王天主聲聞菩薩。咸資偈贊用暢幽誠。無經不有彰于視聽。東夏王臣斯途不惑擬倫。帝德國美無不稱焉。所以寫送性情統歸總亂。在于斯矣。然晉宋已來。諸集數百餘家。信重佛門俱陳聲略。至於捃拾百無一在。且列數條用塵博觀。

As for 'Expanded Propagation and Clarification', this means propagating and protecting the net of the Dharma and enlightening sentient beings. From the preceding nine sections, laid out according to their times and weighing the rational principles, the conditions are quite comprehensive. However, regarding where the will directs itself, this has not yet been observed in detail. If songs of praise are not displayed, where could they be anchored? Therefore, I have arranged this next to serve as an earnest mirror for near and far. Moreover, when the Dharma King ruled the world, songs and eulogies marked the very beginning; Brahmā kings, heavenly lords, śrāvakas, and bodhisattvas all made use of verses and praises to express their deep sincerity. There is no sūtra that lacks them, making them manifest to sight and hearing. The rulers and ministers of the Eastern Xia did not stray from this path when making comparisons; the virtues of emperors and the beauties of the state were all praised in this manner. That by which one expresses nature and emotion and unites what is scattered and disordered lies precisely here. Yet since the Jin and Song dynasties, among the several hundred collections of various authors who believed in and revered the Buddhist gate, all presented verses and summaries; but when it comes to gathering and collecting them, not one in a hundred remains. I now briefly list several items to present for wide viewing.