Supplemented Biographies of Eminent Monks (補續高僧傳)

Preface to the Supplemented Continuation of the Biographies of Eminent Monks

In the past, Master Xuelang overturned the rigid conventions of doctrinal studies. Among his disciples, the number of outstanding talents was beyond counting. Master Yiyu Run was the most exceptional among them. Master Tai Ruhe was a distinguished disciple of Master Run, who propagated and clarified the teachings, earning widespread respect in his time.

Last year, he traveled to Baimen and lectured on scriptures at Bao'en Chan Temple, where tens of thousands came to listen to the Dharma. At that time, I visited his mountain retreat in humble attire, engaging in profound conversation. I regretted that our meeting came so late. Not long after, he returned to Wumen, and I composed a poem for him, which included the lines: "His disciples taught, flowers turned to rain; Vimalakirti departed, his tongue no longer sharp." Little did I know these words would become a prophetic verse. Only a few days later, he suddenly fell ill and passed away. Those who heard the news wept in sorrow and longing.

This autumn, his disciple Daokai brought me the *Biographies of Eminent Monks* compiled by his master, asking me to write a preface. He also conveyed Master He's words: "This old monk has devoted thirty years of painstaking effort to compile this work, intending it as a transmission of the Dharma and the treasury of the true Dharma eye. It must be published, and I request that Minister Wuqiao write the preface."

I reflect that since the time of Dahui, records of the lamp transmission have been scattered and sparse, making them difficult to verify. Is this not a great deficiency in the Chan tradition? Master He traveled with his staff to famous mountains and ancient temples, searching through worn-out woodblocks, climbing vines, and copying weathered inscriptions, gradually compiling them. Scholar Cao Nengshi further contributed by sharing his personal collection, offering all he had to assist in this endeavor. After thirty years, this book was completed.

Spanning over four hundred years from the Song Dynasty to the present, it does not distinguish between sects but encompasses all genuine followers of the Buddha. It follows the example of Jiyin's *Transmission of the Sangha Treasure*, supplemented with commentaries and praises. Truly, this is a remarkable achievement for the Dharma garden and a secret record of the dragon palace.

In my leisure from Chan contemplation, I occasionally delve into doctrinal teachings. I often lament how those who chase after superficialities flock to the bustling debates of the seventeen hundred koans, belittling the verbose teachings of the doctrinal schools as inferior to a single phrase from a bamboo stick. Alas! Beyond the great matter of birth and death, what further mysteries are there?

Master He illuminated this lamp of wisdom, cultivating the fruit of realization. Throughout his life, his words brought rain and dew, and his hands touched the sun and stars. With a heart full of compassion and a mind awakened across three lifetimes, this compilation alone conveys the essence of Chan and teachings. The radiance emanating from its pages makes readers feel as if they are witnessing great beings treading the path, while ordinary and dull individuals can hardly add a single word of praise.

Daokai, having received the transmission from Master He, carries on his legacy without fail. Editing this book is no less than repaying his teacher's kindness through three turning phrases. As for me, bound by the fellowship of the lotus society, not just for a day or a night, I share this with fellow practitioners, and thus it is printed and circulated.

In the late autumn of the year Xinsi during the Chongzhen reign, the lay devotee Fan Jingwen wrote this in the Meal of Ice Studio at Baimen.