No. 294-A楞嚴說約引語
Introduction to the Outline of the Śūraṅgama Sūtra
淮海參佛弟子蘊空居士陸西星長庚述
Huaihai Buddhist Disciple Layman Yunkong Lu Xixing Changgeng's Narration
幽谷朽生，素無前識，因師覺悟，學讀蘂編，晚討竺墳，刳心健相，質成魯誥，自信同源。竊以虞傳精一，孔絕四母，子思指實相於未發，曾子以定慮易止觀，與彼軻書知性知天，萬物備我之說，儒門宗旨何異。西來乃緇衣之流，專為密藏，始自左於吾儒，互有諍論，豈其然乎。談性術者多矣，未提正印，俱落下驂，或有羊亡於塞讀，踵垂於葛藤，戲論相持，卑當勿論。君子博學而詳說之，將以反說約也。得其宗，一言而終，奚俟喋聒哉。夫庖丁解牛，未甞肯綮，騞然委土，善刀而藏之，斯了義之三昧也。是目也，剪去枝葉，直露本根，會筆受之旨趣，獨取衷於環師。間甞載之毫楮，以醒健忘，而一二同志謂宜方便初機，請公剞劂。夫芹羮背𭨃，野人之恒服，斯之用享，亦澹乎其無味哉。然人人各足，肯自承當，則取之無禁。至約在我，而言說可以盡捐。如來有所說法，不予欲無言，知者不言也。此無說之說，約中之至約者，三教聖人曾二語哉。
In the deep valley, a decaying life, with no prior knowledge, awakened through my teacher's guidance, studied the scriptures, and later delved into the ancient texts, cutting through the mind's attachments and seeking clarity in the classics, confident in their shared origin. I believe that the essence of the Yu tradition, the Confucian rejection of the four biases, Zisi pointing to the true nature in the unmanifested, Zengzi using focused contemplation to replace stillness, and the teachings of Mencius on knowing nature and heaven, with the idea that all things are complete within oneself—how do these differ from the core tenets of Confucianism? The Western teachings, represented by the black-robed monks, were originally secret transmissions, and from the start, they stood apart from our Confucian tradition, leading to debates. Is this truly the case? Many have discussed the nature of the mind, yet without grasping the true seal, they remain in the lower ranks. Some lose their way in obscure readings, entangled in complications, engaging in futile arguments, unworthy of discussion. The noble person studies broadly and explains in detail, only to return to simplicity. Once the essence is grasped, a single word suffices—why engage in endless chatter? Like the butcher who cuts the ox without touching the joints, the blade slides smoothly, and he stores it well—this is the true meaning of samadhi. Thus, this work trims away the branches and leaves, revealing the root directly, capturing the intent of the teachings, and drawing solely from Master Huan. Occasionally, I have recorded it in writing to refresh my memory, and a few like-minded friends suggested it should be made accessible to beginners, urging its publication. Simple dishes and humble clothes are the common fare of the rustic—this offering may seem plain and tasteless. Yet, if each person is inherently complete and willing to take responsibility, then there is no restriction in receiving it. The ultimate simplicity lies within, and words can be discarded. The Tathagata spoke the Dharma, yet said he wished to remain silent, for those who know do not speak. This speechless teaching, the utmost simplicity within simplicity—have the sages of the three teachings ever spoken differently?
萬曆丙申獻歲元日
The first day of the first month, in the year of Bing Shen, during the Wanli reign.