續古今譯經圖紀 1.2

1.2

譯經圖紀者。本起於大慈恩寺翻經院之堂也。此堂圖畫古今傳譯緇素。首自迦葉摩騰終于大唐三藏。邁公因撰題之于壁。自茲厥後傳譯相仍。諸有藻繪無斯紀述。昇雖不敏敢輒讚揚。雖線麻之有殊冀相續而無絕。幸諸覽者無貽誚焉。

As for the Illustrated Record of Scripture Translations, its origin lies in the hall of the Translation Hall at Dacien Monastery. This hall depicted the monastic and lay transmitters and translators of past and present, beginning with Kāśyapa Mātaṅga and ending with the Tripiṭaka Master of the Great Tang. Master [Yan]mai thereupon composed inscriptions for them on the walls. From that time onward, translations and transmissions continued unabated. Various decorated portraits existed, but there was no such written record. Although I, Sheng, am not clever, I have ventured to offer praises and descriptions. Though fine silk thread and coarse hemp are distinct, I hope to maintain the continuity without severance. May readers find no cause for reproach.