I have never extensively studied the Buddhist scriptures, and at first, I did not know what the path was all about. Later, while serving as an officer in the military, I worked alongside Xie Guansan. During our daily conversations, he inspired me greatly. I came to know him as a man who had transcended worldly concerns, far beyond ordinary talk. Over time, I realized that he had thoroughly mastered the great teachings of the three traditions (Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism), and he was especially profound in his understanding of Buddhist scriptures and commentaries. It was then that I understood why he kept his brilliance hidden and led a simple, detached life—there was a good reason for it.

He often said, "In a lifetime of a few decades, people exhaust their spirit and wisdom in pursuit of wealth and status. They drift through life and die in vain, with sorrow and suffering following one after another. If one does not think of liberation from this, it is truly a pity. How much more so for us, who have survived a worldly calamity and been stirred by great upheavals!" When I heard this, I could not help but feel a stirring in my heart.

He then gave me a copy of the *Diamond Sutra* with Master Shi’s commentary, teaching me to recite, study, and ponder it, saying I would naturally benefit. At first, when I read it, I was utterly confused and could not understand it. Even after asking questions, I still did not grasp it clearly. Only after practicing for a long time did I find that what I previously could not understand, I now understood; what I previously could comprehend, I now penetrated even deeper. With extended contemplation, the more I investigated, the more wondrous it became, and my mind grew ever sharper and clearer. Only then did I realize the subtlety of this sutra—it is beyond what words can describe.

Great is the compassion of the Buddha! In the universe of a thousand worlds, he universally liberates all beings, whether conscious or moving, and will not rest until all beings are saved. This is truly true, not an empty saying. However, the sutra also says, "If the Buddha says he liberates any being, then he is attached to the concepts of self, person, being, and life." This means that people should realize their own nature and liberate themselves. The sutras that the Buddha spoke are merely tools to untie our attachments; he has no real 'dharma' to give anyone. Hence, he says, "The dharma I speak is like a raft that must be abandoned."

Now, as we move further away from the Buddha's time, it is hard to meet a true teacher. If we do not rely on the words of the scriptures to guide our own investigation, how can we liberate ourselves? That is why, when I read the sutra and reached the passage about having no attachment to self, person, being, or life, I understood that if these four attachments are not removed, we can never make progress. Our deluded thoughts arise endlessly, and we must sweep away all distracting conditions—like cutting through a tangled mess of threads in one stroke. Only then can we resonate with the path.

Furthermore, the sutra's phrases, such as "abide nowhere," "thus abide," and "thus calm the mind," contain profound meaning. They require careful savoring to reveal the essential method for purifying the mind. If one practices this for a long time, one’s true nature will naturally emerge, achieving what is not contrived. This is something only those who have walked the path can know.

However, the meaning of the sutra is very deep; without guidance, it is difficult to grasp suddenly. Now, with his keen wisdom and compassionate nature, Xie Guansan has devoted more than ten years to profound reflection and silent realization, attaining deep attainment. Once he took up the responsibility, he used his ‘eye-dotting’ skill to compose a commentary titled *The Diamond Sutra Made Easy*. Though its language is simple and straightforward, it clearly and concisely points to the wondrous truth of perfect penetration. It truly opens the doorway for people to awaken and enter the path, providing a ferry for future students to cross together onto the shore of enlightenment. This is a great joy that transcends both ancient and modern times.

May all who see or hear of this work cultivate and realize the same truth together. In the future at the assembly on Vulture Peak, may we all forge good karmic bonds, so as not to disappoint this compassionate mind that has guided us first.

Having long relied on Xie as my teacher, I have greatly benefited from his virtuous influence. Now that this commentary has been completed for printing, I have briefly narrated its origins to share with like-minded people, so we may all celebrate together.

In the spring of the year 1889, during the first ten days of the third lunar month, I, Liu Shaonan, respectfully wrote this preface as the Yuanjue Layman of Zhenzhou.