廣弘明集 22.53

22.53

The monk Xuanzang states: In the first year of the Zhenguan era, I journeyed to the Western Regions to seek the secret treasury of the Tathāgata and search out the bequeathed intent of Śākyamuni. In all, I obtained six hundred and fifty-seven works, which were all loaded onto white horses. Only in the eighteenth year of the Zhenguan era did I return to the capital. Soon afterward, I received an imperial decree ordering me to open, examine, and translate them at the Hongfu Doctrinal Center. Having now translated such scriptures as the Bodhisattvapiṭaka, I humbly pray that Your Majesty will deign to bestow the grace of an imperial preface to the scriptures. I hope only for an imperial decree to disseminate them through the central lands. I have also compiled a Record of the Western Regions in one work of twelve fascicles in all. I respectfully send the Palace Cadet Li Jingyi to reverently present it. I am overcome with the utmost awe and trepidation. Respectfully submitting this memorial to be heard, I speak with reverence.