仁王護國般若波羅蜜多經 1.5

1.5

the testamentary decree, not daring to be idle, inviting the assembly of heroes who shake the khakkhara to complete the nine-fathom mound. Specially Promoted and Opening the Office, Chao'en, dedicating his body to the state and offering his life to the Buddha, assisted our true teaching and expounded the marvelous gate. Thereupon, he was ordered to gather the masters of doctrinal learning of the capital, Great Virtue Liangbi and others, and the Hanlin Academicians Chang Gun and others, in the Southern Peach Garden of Daming Palace, to meticulously translate the *Prajñā Sūtra for Protecting the State* to completion, and further transcribe and finalize sūtras such as the *Ghanavyūha*. Holding tablets and wielding brushes, they investigated subtleties and plumbed the depths; previous errors and omissions were corrected with clarity, and former obscurities were brought out in brilliance. It is sufficient to hang like the sun and moon, illuminating the darkened paths; and moisten like clouds and rain, spreading widely over fauna and flora. I humbly pray that this may support the transcendent carriage above, soaring wisdom clouds in the four heavens; and stepping far out of defilement and labor, tread upon golden lotuses in the ten stages. I am dim regarding profound matters and ashamed of my lack of literary elegance; being urged to compose this preface, I sigh in an empty frame of mind. I merely record this at the head of the text, hoping it may open the way for posterity, and that its glory may endure forever, to be practiced and promoted. The time was the year *Zhanmeng* (Yiwei), in the month when the hibiscus blooms.