No. 1524-B續高僧傳序
Preface to Continued Biographies of Eminent Monks
如來正法眼藏。囑付羅漢僧。或從心地發明。或向耳根叅會。妙觀察智。處處靈通。雖來路稍殊。然入門元一也。余甞讀高僧傳。慨想久之。既面目之儼存。又神明之玄契。心之所會。手若傳之。眼之所照。足若赴之。明鏡在前。法見全露。先賢之啟我深乎。河公問道四方。研精三學。於是聚高僧於灋窟。而為之論。以其生平聲教所流。徧周沙界。自非身心竝徹。手眼兼行者。惡能精博如是哉。扃公持全編來訪余。白下纔開寶藏。徧界光明。然後服河公之神鑑也。大圓鏡智。鑒破古今。其斯文之謂與。
The true Dharma eye treasury of the Tathagata was entrusted to the arhats. Some realized it from the mind-ground, while others contemplated through the faculty of hearing. The wisdom of subtle observation manifests everywhere with spiritual fluency. Though their approaches differed slightly, the entry gate was fundamentally one.
I once read the Biographies of Eminent Monks and was deeply moved, reflecting on it for a long time. Their dignified presence remains vivid, and their spiritual communion feels profoundly intimate. Where the mind comprehends, the hands seem to transmit it; where the eyes perceive, the feet seem to follow. Like a bright mirror placed before us, the Dharma vision is fully revealed. How deeply have the ancient sages enlightened me!
Master He traveled widely to inquire about the Way, diligently studying the threefold training. Thus he gathered eminent monks in the Dharma cave to discuss these matters. His teachings have flowed throughout his life, spreading across the sands of worlds. Unless one thoroughly penetrates both body and mind, and practices with both hands and eyes, how could one achieve such breadth and depth?
Master Jiong brought the complete compilation to visit me. As soon as the precious treasury opened in Baixia, light illuminated all realms. Only then did I truly appreciate Master He's divine discernment. The wisdom of the great perfect mirror illuminates past and present—is this not what this text embodies?
西江黃端伯題
Inscribed by Huang Duanbo of Xijiang.