廣弘明集 20.80

20.80

The sage's intent is difficult to gaze upon, and the mysterious ford is rarely crossed. In vain did we peer through a narrow tube, lamenting that chaos was yet unopened; we truly relied upon crying at the palace gates, so that, like Xiangwang [finding the pearl], it was obtained at that time. The Grand Astrologer of the Orchid Terrace and Vice Director of the Left of the Department of State Affairs, the Founding Marquis of Yingshan County, So-and-so, was untiring in his encouragement and appraisal, and unhindered in his reading and perusal. Thereupon, together we plucked the blossoming petals from the forest of forgiveness, caught the swift bird from Mount Gṛdhrakūṭa, searched the distinct teachings of the eight treasuries, and drew upon the wondrous liquid of the three dots [of the letter i]. We compiled this into one work, arranged in ten fascicles; in judging its profound attainments, words fail to express it. Yet, as the ocean of doctrine is profound and the dharma-gates are vast, although the essential and wondrous meanings were already provided by former scholars, extensive and abundant writings ultimately require a separate record. I venture that those who climb Mount Jing wish to present a treasure worth multiple cities; those who wander the shores of Chu desire to pay tribute in wrapped boxes. How much more so when the rare treasures of the Dragon Palace illuminate the mental field, and the lingering fragrance of the Deer Park blossoms in written leaves! If one cherishes upright refinement, who could forget to present and offer it? Furthermore, continuing the task followed an orderly path, and the clear standards were adhered to. If one opens the texts and examines them, jade and jewels all shine; if one attempts to classify them, orchids and chrysanthemums naturally distinguish themselves. Where a stream flows in, it is like the converging waters of the Eastern Sea; where each accords with what it responds to, it resembles the kung and chih tones of the southern flute. Connected according to meaning, they amount to ten chapters; dividing each chapter into upper and lower parts makes twenty fascicles. Consulting over 1,500 scrolls of scriptures, they list more than 360 doctrinal headings. The ten established chapters form four sections: the first two establish the realms of the ultimate and the conventional; the next pair clarifies the origins of defilement and purity; the middle four lay open the paths of cultivation and realization; the last two present the models of guiding and delivering. Arranged in sequence, each governs many entries, causing the great principles to shine brilliantly and the supreme words never to be lost. Looming like a thousand open gates, sumptuous as the combined stores of a hundred tunnels. Like the morning constellations strung like pearls, they are indeed unmatchable and distinct; like spring clusters adorned with brocade, they are truly artless yet elegantly spread. This truly stems from the profound accord of the mysterious vision, which caused the profound meanings to secretly converge. That they are orderly and not confused is certainly based on this! However, from a single feather one can recognize the phoenix's luster, and thus what is recorded is not exhaustive; a pair of flying ducks cannot deplete the islet of ducks, and so the remaining beauties are hard to encompass. Being limited to the teachings from the golden mouth, it is truly free from the criticism of jade dust. Where minutiae were trimmed or weighed for inclusion or rejection, fearing an error of a thousand leagues, we repeatedly examined each entry three times. On the seventeenth day of the fifth month of the third year of Longshuo, we first received the imperial decree; up to the fourth day of the fifth month of the first year of Linde, the manuscripts of the former and latter parts were completely completed. The former is concise yet expressive; the latter is broad yet without confusion. We hope it may raise the grand net of the Śākya teachings, hold the essential keys of the dharma-doors, open the supreme traces for calming the mind, and provide a spiritual park of vast learning. We humbly pray that the supreme flavor of ghee may forever moisten the imperial heart, and the bright pearl of prajñā may long illuminate the sagacious grasp. May this writing never fall, and the true school hang together with the sun and moon! May this blessing be boundless, and the precious reign be as firm as heaven and earth!