集古今佛道論衡 4.32

4.32

維唐龍朔元年。京師西華觀道士朝散大夫郭行真所造。仰惟諸佛大聖神通。遍於十方。柱下仁風流扇光於五岳。梁魏已上未聞道有儀形。周齊已下弘誘開於氓俗。是則擬佛陶化。終詐飾於昏蒙。達見通微。畢曉鏡於明識。所以聞義遷善。奉造靈儀并諸經誥。當使上弘下施。開遂古之濛泉。福始罪終。顯窮生之厚障。伏願恩隆慈施。不隔於邪林。方便善巧。無滯於幽谷。並使解明七覺慧發三明。拔見幢而偃疑山。裂愛網而陳寶駕。悠哉同侶可不勉哉。

In the first year of the Longshuo era of the Great Tang, made by Guo Xingzhen, Daoist priest of Xihua Abbey in the capital and Court Gentleman for Miscellaneous Duties: I look up in reverent contemplation to the great supernatural powers of all the Buddhas and Great Sages, pervading the ten directions. The benevolent wind of the one beneath the Pillar fanned its light across the Five Sacred Peaks. Before the Liang and Wei dynasties, one never heard of the Dao possessing iconic forms; from the Zhou and Qi onwards, broad enticements opened to the common folk. Thus, imitating the Buddha in molding and transforming ultimately meant deceptive decoration for the benighted; but attaining sight and penetrating subtlety fully illumines the mirror for clear consciousness. Therefore, hearing righteousness I turn toward goodness, reverently making numinous icons and various scriptures and teachings. May they propagate above and bestow below, opening the murky springs of antiquity; may blessings begin and sins end, revealing the dense obstacles of exhaustive rebirths. I humbly pray that grace be abundant and compassion bestowed, not barred by the forest of heterodoxy; that expedient means be skillful, not hindered by dark valleys. May all comprehend the seven factors of awakening and have wisdom give rise to the three knowledges, uprooting the banner of false views to flatten the mountain of doubts, and tearing the net of craving to set forth the precious carriage. O companions, can you not exert yourselves?