大唐貞元續開元釋教錄 2.6.6

2.6.6

"In accordance with the imperial edict, upon the arrival of the dispatch as stated above, it is to be carried out accordingly.

Twenty-fifth day of the second month, second year of Jianzhong [781 CE].
[Submitted by] Minister of the Chancellery (vacant);
Vice Director of the Chancellery and Joint Manager of Affairs with the Secretariat-Chancellery, [your] subject Lu Qi;
Supervising Secretary, [your] subject Ban Hong.

On the twenty-fifth day of the second month, Duty Officer on Direct Duty and Provisionally Determining Vice Director of the Ministry of War, Lu Duan.

Dispatch from the Bureau of Sacrifices to the Courtyard for Jointly Determining the Vinaya Commentaries at Anguo Temple:
For jointly determining, editing, polishing, and setting: Platform-Ascending Worthy of Anguo Temple, Rujing.
For jointly determining, editing, and polishing: Platform-Ascending Worthy of Baoshou Temple, Huiche.
For co-determining, recording as scribe, and correcting characters: Platform-Ascending Worthy of Ximing Temple, Yuanzhao.
For co-determining, recording as scribe, and compiling the text: Platform-Ascending Worthy of Anguo Temple, Baoyi.
For co-determining, recording as scribe, and verifying meanings: Platform-Ascending Worthy of Anguo Temple, Chaoji.
For co-determining and verifying meanings: Platform-Ascending Worthy of Jingzhu Temple, Chongrui.
For co-determining and verifying meanings: Platform-Ascending Worthy of Ximing Temple, Daosui.
For co-determining and verifying meanings: Platform-Ascending Worthy of Ximing Temple, Xingci.
For co-determining and verifying meanings: Platform-Ascending Worthy of Zhangjing Temple, Puzhen (replacing the deceased vacancy of Tansui).
For co-determining and verifying meanings: Platform-Ascending Worthy of Chongfu Temple, Chaozheng.
For co-determining and verifying meanings: Platform-Ascending Worthy of Anguo Temple, Zhizhao.
For co-determining and verifying meanings: Platform-Ascending Worthy of Qinglong Temple, Weigan.
For co-determining and verifying meanings: Platform-Ascending Worthy of Anguo Temple, Zangyong (replacing the deceased vacancy of Xizhao).
For co-determining and verifying meanings: Platform-Ascending Worthy of Anguo Temple, Shenghang (replacing the deceased vacancy of Shenlang).

The dispatch states: Regarding the imperial edict received as stated above, a memorial was received from the aforementioned Platform-Ascending Worthy Rujing and others concerning the vinaya commentaries that they jointly determined: 'We have received an imperial edict [stating that] three versions of the vinaya commentary are permitted to circulate concurrently, allowing scholars to follow their preferences. We respectfully list the names of the Worthies who jointly determined the vinaya commentaries as above. We humbly hope that, in accordance with the imperial edict, an official dispatch will be issued to the Vinaya Courtyard so as to illuminate future generations.'

Having respectfully examined and checked the texts to be used, in accordance with the memorial, this dispatch is issued to the Courtyard for Jointly Determining the Vinaya Commentaries. The dispatch having arrived, it is to be carried out in accordance with the imperial edict; hence this dispatch.

Twenty-sixth day of the second month, second year of Jianzhong.
Issued by Clerk Shentu Cong;
Director of Affairs Li Lin;
Vice Director Fang You.

Commentary on the Mahāyāna Sūtra on the Six Pāramitās of the Principle (Dasheng liqu liu boluomiduo jing shu), ten fascicles.

On the first day of the seventh month, a yisi year, the fifth year of the Zhenyuan era of the Tang [789 CE], the Abbot of Ximing Temple, śramaṇa Liangxiu and others state: On the twenty-eighth day of the eleventh month of last year, Commissioner of Good Works for the Right Street Wang Xiqian proclaimed the imperial decree commanding Liangxiu and others to compose a commentary on the newly translated Mahāyāna Sūtra on the Six Pāramitās of the Principle.

Liangxiu and others have heard: The ultimate Dao shares a single source; the sagely path is unified by a single thread. The Great Hero manifested forms and expounded the wondrous voice in the Solitary Garden; on the Precious Throne, emanations dispersed and showered deep grace over the Twin Towers. The Buddha-sun opened upon the sagely reign; silk imperial cords descended upon the Dharma Wheel. Thus the compassionate vessel broadens its conversion, bringing all to the realm of benevolence and longevity. Were this not so, how could one grasp the true tally and achieve convergence, responding to the auspicious epoch with miraculous resonance?

Liangxiu and others humbly consider: This scripture is the Tathāgata's secret seal, the gate of salvation for all living beings. Brought forth from the precious casket of White Horse Temple, it unlocks the secret treasury of Qinglong Temple. It is the ultimate truth of the highest order, where principle discards the net and the snare; regarding the final vehicle, it expounds non-differentiation. Moreover, the celestial writing shines brilliantly and sagely thoughts illuminate afar. True Suchness conforms to the mind, having already elucidated the subtle subtleties among the Śākyan teachings; the Prajñā preface was composed, truly weaving the text in accordance with the Great Ancestor. The compassionate clouds broadly moisten the great roots; the sweet dew casts its shade over the palm-leaf manuscripts. Liangxiu and others have talents limited to lesser studies; our nature is unlike those with innate knowledge. Having falsely been entrusted with this inquiry, we humbly fear error and downfall. Having received the solemn decree from above, we in vain peep at heaven through a tube; reverently serving our fundamental teacher, we fear ascending the hall and plucking the zither.

We have composed one work of the Commentary on the Six Pāramitās Sūtra in ten fascicles. We respectfully entrust it to Commissioner of Good Works for the Right Street Wang Xiqian to be presented along with this memorial. We humbly pray for your Sagely Compassion to permit the śramaṇa Tanqian, who co-authored the commentary, to explain and deliver it at our temple and distribute it inside and outside the capital. We hope that these distinct true words will show the clear blueprint to new students, and that this luminous image teaching will bestow its embellishing grace upon the future. Liangxiu and others, with sincere trepidation and earnest sincerity, with repeated fear and caution, respectfully submit this statement.

At that time, His Majesty read the memorial and examined the composed commentary. Thereupon, he ordered Palace Attendant Mao Yingqi to convey consolations, saying: 'By imperial edict, the monks Liangxiu, Tanqian, Daohong, and others who composed the commentary shall jointly be bestowed ninety bolts of silk. They should receive them in due order. The work on this commentary has been of great labor and diligence. In this autumn heat, I respectfully inquire: Are the masters all in good health and well?' This is explained in detail in the lower fascicle of the Continuation of the Record of Translated Scriptures.

Commentary on the Mahāyāna Sūtra on the Six Pāramitās of the Principle, ten fascicles.

On the fifteenth day of the fourth month of this year, Junior Director Ma Qinxu proclaimed the imperial decree ordering Chaowu to lecture on the newly translated Mahāyāna Sūtra on the Six Pāramitās of the Principle at Qianfu Temple, and also commanding him to compose a commentary.

[Chaowu states:] I humbly consider: The sagely words are profound and distant; the ultimate Dao is vast and deep. Obscured and unclear, it has passed through many years and epochs. Your Majesty's supreme virtue is broadly spread, resounding wherever it encounters need. Could the Tathāgata's secret seal wait for a primordial sage before it could be transmitted? Will heaven and man join their tallies, meeting this flourishing era to transform together? What fortune does this humble monk have to be blessed with these auspicious words! Having respectfully scrutinized the true tenets and consulted the phrasing and meanings, I have established doctrinal outlines for each, distinguishing their branches into a total of ten fascicles. Chaowu's years are approaching decay and old age, and my learning in doctrine is desolate and uncultivated. Though I would gladly prick my veins for blood and powder my body to lecture and receive it, carrying a mountain and ladling the sea fills me with fear that I cannot bear the task. I have respectfully proceeded to the Right Silver Terrace Gate to present it for your imperial notice. For my rash presumption before the sagely intelligence, I am deeply overcome with trembling. Respectfully submitted.

Memorial submitted on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, fifth year of Zhenyuan, by śramaṇa Chaowu and others of Liquan Temple.

The Sagely, Divine, Civil, and Martial Emperor endorsed:
'The import of the Mahāyāna true scripture is subtle and wondrous. You, Master, have long been recognized for superior wisdom and deeply comprehend the source of the teachings. Now that the translation is completed, the doctrine and rationale are established. This relies on commentaries and expositions to broaden the fishing net and hare snare, wishing that later students know where to return and that living beings may be easily delivered. As the remaining summer heat has not yet retreated, your composition has indeed been diligent. I have reviewed the structural divisions and thoroughly examined the essential substance. The elucidation is already complete; my admiration and praise are truly deep.'

On that day, Director of the Palace Administration Bureau Feng Yousheng proclaimed the imperial edict to Master Chaowu and the others: 'From summer to autumn, your composition of this commentary has been of great labor and diligence. In this autumn heat, are you, masters, keeping well?'

On the same day, Junior Director Ma Qinxu proclaimed the imperial decree: 'The commentary-composing monk Chaowu shall be bestowed fifty bolts of silk and a set of monastic robes. The commentary-composing monks Shaoliang and Qiyun shall each be bestowed twenty bolts of silk, and instructions are given to the Daying Treasury to disburse them.'

On that day, the monks composed a memorial offering thanks for imperial notice. Śramaṇa Chaowu stated: Chaowu humbly considers: Today I presented the Commentary on the Six Pāramitās Sūtra. Palace Emissary Feng Yousheng proclaimed the imperial decree bestowing Chaowu fifty bolts of silk and a set of monastic robes, and Shaoliang