諸經要集 20.5

20.5

Now, the spiritual principle is without sound, and expresses intent by relying on words; words are without trace, and realise the perfect sound by depending on writing. Therefore, characters are the snare for words, and words are the trap for the principle. Sound and sense must correspond; neither can be neglected. For this reason, the practical application of writing encompasses the universe: though its traces are manifold in brush and ink, its principle accords with the spirit. Yet because sūtras and treatises are vast and extensive, to record them fully is difficult to make exhaustive; records and biographies are voluminous, having both detailed and concise accounts. Thus, in order to guide all quarters and instruct future students, the circumstances and traces of establishing the teaching are brilliantly made complete, and the origins of matters that instruct the worldly are abundantly present. Searching out the chapters, extracting the essential pivots, and compiling with brush and ink, these have been fully set forth in the preceding chapters. As for the other miscellaneous duties that draw in and benefit the worldly and can be put into practice at present, they are noted below, in the hope that darkness and delusion may gradually be removed and the lamp of the Dharma may shine far and wide.