御注金剛般若波羅蜜經宣演 1.4

1.4

In the Great Tang, during the Kaiyuan era, in the year Daquanxian, the twenty-third year of the Emperor's reign over the realm: The four quarters were harmonious and peaceful, and the hundred offices were well-ordered in their seasons; the utmost transformation extended without bound, and the profound way flourished throughout the land. Thereupon, [His Majesty] concentrated his sagacious contemplation and fully expounded the Confucian and Daoist traditions. Continuing to cherish marvelous enlightenment, he annotated and clarified this sūtra, directly illuminating its subtle essence and penetrating its esoteric depths. The celestial writings shone forth, and the sun of the Buddha increased its radiance, surpassing a thousand ages to emerge foremost, transcending a hundred kings to bequeath a model. Thereupon, in the mighty capitals and imperial cities, it was carved into stone and bronze; throughout the entire realm under heaven, its phrases and meanings were promulgated, washing the ears and eyes of living beings and tearing asunder the cages and snares of demonic attachment. Unencountered across vast kalpas, how fortunate we are in this present day! I, Daoyin, lay ill in the woods and marshes, keeping out of sight for years. Prostrating to peruse the sacred plan, I was filled with leaps of joy. Soon receiving the brilliant imperial edict, I unworthily took part in this propagation. Exerting the remainder of my exhausted and decrepit strength, I reverently unfold the traces of its profound mysteries. My talent is slight and the responsibility heavy, and the fear of spilling the cauldron only increases my fault; when ascending the seat, how could I shrink from multiplying words? I humbly reflect that the sovereign sings and the ministers join in harmony; as silk threads are cast forth, the wheel of the law revolves. If I do not extensively cite doctrinal texts, how could I fully illuminate the imperial intention? For this reason, I adduce various treatises and harmonize them with the Six Classics, giving voice through my lips and manifesting it in ink, laying down the rhinoceros and elephant to yield their ivory and horn, and dredging the rivers and marshes to offer their pearls and gems. Thus I assist in praising the celestial compositions, and thus I adorn the mansion of meaning. A trickling wave flowing into the sea—how could it add to the depth of the great ocean? A firefly’s spark presenting its glow cannot enhance the light of the sun. Yet I respectfully express my boundless gratitude and humbly exert my loyalty and diligence. The explanation of the sūtra title in the imperial commentary is divided into four: First, explaining the simile: that is, the true jewel of the vajra can shatter hard accumulations. Second, explaining the wisdom: that is, the correct wisdom of prajñā can destroy the afflictions. Third, discerning the virtue: that is, non-abiding and non-grasping, realizing the pāramitā and abandoning the raft; form itself being emptiness, it accords with bodhi in the Middle Way. Fourth, explaining the sūtra: that is, subduing [the mind] in such a way can be called eternal. Therefore it is called the Vajracchedikā Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra.