開元釋教錄 14.3

14.3

Those that have a translation but no extant text refers to doctrinal texts of the Tripiṭaka and compilations and biographical accounts of the sages and worthies whose titles are preserved while their texts are missing. Since the sacred teaching moved east, nearly a thousand years have passed. Substance and adornment have continually altered, and the bronze vessels of state have repeatedly shifted. Added to this, the persecution under Emperor Wu of the Northern Zhou brought devastation to the clergy. As a consequence, the lamp of Dharma concealed its radiance, and the sun of wisdom shrouded its light. Most of the essential texts of the Tripiṭaka have been scattered or lost. Some were recently translated in the Eastern Capital and had not yet reached the Western Capital; some were newly produced in few copies, and when sought were not obtained, so how could their subtle depths be heard? In vain one peruses the titles, craning one's neck in fatigue—yet beating one's breast, how can one catch up? Now, having searched through various catalogues, I fully record those that are lost, hoping that renowned and worthy persons will join in inquiring and seeking them out. The lost texts of Mahāyāna and Hīnayāna sūtras, vinaya, and śāstras, together with compilations and biographical accounts of the sages and worthies, total 1,148 works, 1,980 fascicles.