Preface by Monk Cien, Compiled from the Stone Wall of Daxingshan Temple in the Western Capital

The Sanskrit Prajñāpāramitā Heart Sutra was translated by the Tripitaka Master of the Great Tang Dynasty. As the Master journeyed toward India, he passed through Yizhou and stayed overnight in the meditation hall of Konghui Temple. There he encountered a sick monk and inquired about his travels. As they spoke of their destinations, the monk sighed and said to the Master, "To forget oneself for the sake of the Dharma is truly rare. Yet the journey to the Five Regions of India spans over a hundred thousand leagues, crossing shifting deserts and treacherous rivers. Where the northern winds rise, the desolate grasses stir with sorrow; when mountain spirits cry, they face fallen leaves among barren troops. You travel by snowy cliffs by day and lodge on icy precipices by night. Monkeys cling to the trees, and the realm is filled with spirits. Layer upon layer of peaks rise in the Congling Range, wrapped in snow-white clouds like ribbons; forests cluster around Vulture Peak, soaring into the sky like emerald spires. The road is fraught with peril—how will you manage? I possess the essential Dharma gate of the hearts of all Buddhas of the three periods. If you, Master, receive and uphold it, it will protect you on your journey." Then he orally transmitted it to the Master. By dawn, the monk had vanished.

The Tripitaka Master packed his belongings and gradually left the Tang borders. Whenever he encountered hardship on the road or lacked food, he would recall and recite it forty-nine times. If he lost his way, a guide would appear; if he longed for food, delicacies would manifest. Whenever he prayed sincerely, he received divine aid. When he reached Nalanda Monastery in Magadha, Central India, and was circumambulating the scripture library, he suddenly saw the same monk, who said to him, "You have traversed dangers and hardships, and I rejoice that you have arrived here. It is due to the essential Dharma gate of the hearts of all Buddhas of the three periods that I transmitted to you in China. Through this, your journey was protected. Obtain the scriptures soon and fulfill your vow. I am Guanyin Bodhisattva." Having spoken, he soared into the sky.

This miraculous sign serves as the ultimate verification of this sutra. It is indeed Prajñā, the sacred pivot. If one practices as taught, one will surely transcend to the shore of awakening. Delving into the Tathāgata's intent spans three incalculable eons; reciting the Tathāgata's sutra can dissolve the three hindrances. If a person faithfully receives and upholds it, let them embody its principle and practice diligently.