大唐內典錄 3.4

3.4

The preface says: The sūtra states that the triple world is impermanent and conditioned phenomena do not endure. The foundation of the Jin dynasty was distantly linked to the house of Wei. Standing lofty and pre-eminent, [Sima Yi] executed Cao Shuang and eradicated his clan, devising imperial strategies and displaying his achievements. When the Metal virtue succeeded the Earth phase and the mandate of heaven devolved upon their persons, they pacified Shu and brought the great Wu to surrender, establishing peace and exercising benevolent governance. Cultural accomplishments were fully prepared and military weapons laid to rest. Then the calenture of one-hundred and six suddenly arrived, and royal officials lost their posts; no calamity in the empire's great upheaval surpassed this. At that time, monastics and laity were scattered and alienated, morning knowing not the fate of evening. The administration was committed to the regions south of the Yangtze, and the Dharma flourished alongside the governance; monks and faithful laypeople assembled there. Therefore we record them here.