法苑珠林 99.5

99.5

Now, the spiritual principle has no sound, but relies on words and speech to express meaning. Words and speech have no physical trace, but rely on writing to delineate sounds. Thus, characters are the snare for words, and words are the trap for principle. Sound and sense corresponding, neither can be missing. Therefore, the practical application of writing encompasses the universe; though traces proliferate in brush and ink, the principle harmonises with the spirit. However, because the sūtras and treatises are vast and extensive, recording them completely is hard to encompass; historical records and accounts are varied and copious, and the events have both detailed and abridged versions. Therefore, to guide the many regions and instruct later scholars, the conditions and traces for establishing the teachings are luminously complete, and the sources of matters for instructing worldly customs are abundantly present. Searching through regulations and articles, and summarising the essentials, I have compiled them with paper and brush, fully laying them out in the preceding chapters. As for other miscellaneous duties for guiding and helping the worldly that can be put into practice at present, I record them below, hoping that ignorance may gradually be eliminated and the lamp of the Dharma may shine far and wide.