出三藏記集 11.23

11.23

When we examine the composition of treatises on the numbers (abhidharma), although their production arose during later compilations and did not issue from a single voice, nevertheless, in opening schools and naming divisions, each without exception had an extensive lineage, all being sufficient to encompass names and numbers and the rise and fall of the Vaipulya teachings; their toilsome labor and manifest benefits cannot be measured in words. As for the Tattvasiddhi-śāstra, it gathers the secret numbers of the three vehicles and plumbs the subtle elucidation of mind and matter; indicating causes and determining fruits, understanding and delusion run alongside one another, so that the pivots of the minds of ordinary persons and sages are completely revealed within it. Moreover, in its design as a text, it takes treatises on established positions as its basis; its restraint and release, concealment and expression, all possess standard rules. Gentle yet penetrating, its every move touches on encouragement and benefit. From the very beginning of the "Section on the Inception" to the final chapter of the "Section on the Path", its two hundred and two chapters are interwoven like fish scales and glistening colors: there are none whose words do not issue from the profound scriptures, yet whose meanings are not mired in heterodox gates. Therefore, it necessarily adduces line and compass from afar, and sets out regulations in minute detail, distinguishing the similar, cleansing the divergent, and firmly planting a clear path; its efficacious aid is truly conspicuous in this regard. Since its efficacy is proclaimed in the correct sūtras, it is untainted by heterodox learning; though it is a recent offshoot and small stream, it actually brings change to the square teachings. Therefore, the contemporary students all say that their aspiration resides in the great scriptures, yet on the day they set out, there are none who do not rely on crossing by this path. Boarding the ford and braving the waters, they originally anticipated a long journey; yet the words of this book are refined and its principles abundant, so that its flavor of thought is easily indulged in. Recently they have vied to plunge into its rushing stream, treading one upon the other's heels. Furthermore, its fascicles being vast and its principles complicated, it is difficult to exhaust one's efforts on it; thus, journeying far and not returning, they ultimately hinder their proper task. Recently, although the Nirvāṇa and Lotus Sūtras are occasionally lectured upon, and the Vimalakīrti and Śrīmālā are somewhat attended to in spare sessions, as for the refined principles of the Pañcaviṃśati-sāhasrikā-prajñāpāramitā, teachers are rather sparse, and the profound vastness of the Daśabhūmika is about to perish from worldly study. This is all due to reposing within the treatise masters and seeking equality among those who have lost their bearings from infancy. This has caused the great scriptures to become overgrown with weeds and the lineage of principle to be suspended in practice. Speaking of this brings lament and sorrow; tossing in bed, one forgets to rest. Since the Tattvasiddhi has merit for the orthodox seal, the matter cannot be dispensed with; yet students have followed the flow into where they plunge, so this affliction should be trimmed. Now, wishing internally to preserve the merit of the Tattvasiddhi and externally to relieve the anxiety of scholars, we have weighed and selected talents of the treatise, thoroughly investigating the urgent and the relaxed, cutting the text to brevity and reducing it to nine fascicles. By deleting the prolix and selecting the essentials to obtain efficacy for the fundamental root, assistance to the Vaipulya will not be lacking, and half the troubles of students will be dispersed. Thus merit will return to the utmost scriptures and their Way will spread ever wider, so that the various Prajñā sūtras do not fall to the ground. The practice lies in the source of the mind, so we hope it avoids the fault of curtailment. The complete scripture remains complete; how could it hinder those fond of learning? Those who mutually grasp the meaning in the mind of the Way may rejoice in accordance without prior consultation.