出三藏記集 5.14

5.14

Now, the sun and moon cling to the heavens while the myriad stars assist their radiance; rain descends from dragons while swollen pools assist in moistening. It is for this reason that abundance thoroughly drenches and the great light shines brilliantly. Yet there are still those who hold torches in cloudy nights, and those who carry jars to draw water in Hanyin, because the circumstances still have deficiencies. When the Buddha established his teachings, perfected persons set them in motion; their grand circulation in foreign countries certainly had its origins. Reaching this land, it coincided with the end of the Han and the flourishing virtue of the Jin. However, local languages have different sounds, and elegance and unadornment vary accordingly. Translating Hu into Jin was not the work of a single person: some were skilled in Hu but unadorned in Jin; others were skilled in Jin but not fully accomplished in Hu. The myriad scriptures are luminous and vast, making it hard to find the middle ground. Taking liberties beyond my station, I have ventured to count myself among the saṃgha. Since I bear the name of assisting in transformation, how could I eat the bread of idleness all day? Accordingly, in the leisure time left from sweeping and sprinkling, I have commented on various scriptures as listed below. I do not dare presume that I must match the sage's intent; I only hope that upon examining the text, it may occasionally accord with the principle. I pray that future good spiritual friends will not fault my unyielding adherence, and hope that like carrying a jar or holding a torch, it might perhaps be of some slight benefit.