開元釋教錄 11.13

11.13

(The Prajñā sūtras are placed first because they are the mother of all Buddhas. In past catalogues, their arrangement lacked sequential order. In the present catalogue, both Mahāyāna and Hīnayāna sūtras are arranged according to thematic sections. The Hīnayāna vinayas are sequenced based on their roots and branches. The Mahāyāna śāstras place commentaries on sūtras first, and treatises collecting and explaining doctrines are listed behind them. The Hīnayāna śāstras follow the order of the Sarvāstivāda school, taking the Jñānaprasthāna as the head, the six Pada-śāstras next, and the Vibhāṣā and other branch treatises compiled at the end. Biographies and compilations of sages and saints are divided into internal and external, distinguishing between the differences of the Western Regions (Daxia) and China (Shenzhou). The intention is to make the classifications distinct and easy for the reader to understand.)