Lotus Sutra with Sectional Commentary (法華經科注)

At the Spiritual Mountain Assembly, the wondrous Dharma Flower Sutra was once proclaimed by the World-Honored One’s golden mouth. Ānanda compiled it on palm leaves, and Kumārajīva later translated this sutra. Up to our Tiantai tradition, profound discussions and commentaries were composed, with Master Zhang’an compiling them and Master Jingxi adding further annotations. This is because it is the very source of the Tathāgata’s teachings and the lifeblood transmitted by the patriarchs; thus, it has endured through countless kalpas and spread throughout all worlds.

Virtuous masters and great teachers everywhere erect the banner of Dharma. Lengthy volumes and extensive texts propagate the teachings and principles far and wide. Master Youlun once annotated this sutra. Now, the lay devotee Xu Xishan, who deeply believes in the Buddha-vehicle and delights in the Dharma, lamented that the printing blocks had been lost. He took the entire sutra, divided it according to sections, and added annotations, reviving Master Youlun’s fading work and opening an accessible path for later learners. Though called “Keshan’s Annotations,” they truly stem from Tiantai’s commentaries. Headings are placed above, annotations displayed below—with one glance, all meanings become clear. Compiled into seven volumes, they are preserved through fine printing, aided by renowned masters from various mountains and virtuous friends from near and far. Surely, the Buddhas of the Silent Light, the hidden dragons and deities of the sky, silently support this vow.

Originally, the Tiantai master Zhiyi first relied on Dasu and personally received instruction from Nan Yue. Using the Samantabhadra Contemplation as the main practice and reciting the Dharma Flower Sutra as his daily task, he experienced a great awakening, attained complete retention, and clearly saw the Spiritual Mountain as if the great assembly were still present, personally hearing the wondrous Dharma and transmitting it to later generations. Now, expounding this path truly fulfills his original intent, enabling future people to hear this and give rise to faith.

With even a single moment of faithful understanding, there is slight development—a glimpse of the meaning. Further, being able to benefit others means widely explaining it to them. When effort aligns with principle, deep faith and contemplation are accomplished. The “fourfold faith” in the present and the “five grades” after the Buddha’s passing correspond perfectly, returning without distance.

Perhaps a like-minded friend in the Dharma, a fellow believer, may—upon hearing a single word—find the mind-ground opened, or within one phrase, see the heaven of meaning brightly illuminated. The great jeweled carriage is originally one’s own possession; the elder’s great mansion is inherently one’s own home. The true mark as the essence, the mind expansive and spirit joyful—precious colors fill the eyes, exquisite jewels adorn the crown, the bright pearl on the topknot. Speaking of lifespan, it is immeasurable as ink-dust kalpas; speaking of assemblies, they are as wondrous as echoes and shadows. Making offerings, one stirs long rivers into ghee; enjoying their use, one transforms the great earth into gold. No effort is wasted, no merit lost. Within Jambudvīpa, this is no empty journey; at the Dragon Flower Assembly, there should be joyful celebration—surely one will ascend.

As I was entrusted with proofreading, though my words are inadequate for the task, I humbly present my limited views and append these remarks.

Written on the birthday of Maitreya, in the year Yǐwèi, during the Yuánzhēn reign period.