出三藏記集 2.7

2.7

Alternate translations of sūtras refer to texts whose Hu originals are the same, but whose Chinese renderings differ. The Sanskrit texts are recondite and abstruse, and their oral translation varied greatly; the abilities and inclinations of the translation masters were also each distinct. In phrasing, some were plain and some ornate; in meaning, some were detailed and some concise. Consequently, while the root was one, the branches became two, and new and old versions diverge. If the languages of the countries shifted and became corrupted, sounds and graphs varied between Chu and Xia; if the translated diction was impeded, the deeds and meanings were as estranged as Hu and Yue. How could this be due to the steeds that conveyed them from the west? It is entirely the fault of errors in transcription in the east! For this reason, the Nirvāṇa and the Śūraṅgama were repeatedly translated, up to seven times; while for the Prajñā sūtras, the distinct versions even reached eight. With other scriptures as well, this was often the case. Now I have set them down in itemized lists and arranged the persons involved, so as to manifest what is identical and what is different. As for the miscellaneous alternate translations whose translators' names are lost, they are all appended to the Catalogue of Texts of Lost Origin.