普賢觀經序
Preface to the Sutra of Samantabhadra's Contemplation
序王曰茲經即法華醍醐之繼唱也古者法王知幾而作用無常道時而後言四十餘年大車未脂羊鹿殊軌謂權不可終用故受之以實於是光飛他土華紛上天暢久默之懷演一乘之道以無量義為前序彰既離而必合用今經為總括明妙契而須行由是能仁善逝指會實於鷲峯次補當來請入門於重閣俾今之有大根性樂思佛道者不遠而復焉信哉斯文實法華三昧之正軌也昔天台智者初受之於南嶽行之於大蘇勤之於道場證之於方便總持炳發樂說泉涌然後儀範帝庭黼黻像運統三利之業終二嚴之備實從是而立也夫由道而至者必踵於先達雖千里始於投足吾必知其至矣且無惑焉今東掖山本如法師庶幾先覺澡心三昧顧寂滅之道放聖賢而行謹信存誠九旬申盟講法華妙典修普賢妙懺佩說行之戒逃數寶之譏仍刻板印是經一萬卷有能終身日讀一卷者或多卷者跪以施之俾讀之然後知道知道然後知行知行然後知至知至然後教人自一人至千萬人自千萬人形于無盡矧今之首我萬計其所轉教又不知若干永永之下可得而思耶大哉讀持者是持佛身是持佛眼是持佛藏操佛法印印一切法成大涅槃是人具大沙門功德是人應受一切人天供養是為法塔應遙向禮者也時天聖二年龍集甲子春二月望日序。
The Preface says: This sutra is the continuation of the proclamation of the Lotus, the essence of the Dharma. In ancient times, the Dharma King, perceiving the right moments, acted according to the principle of non-abiding. He spoke only when the time was right. For over forty years, the great vehicle remained unready, and the paths of the goat and deer carts diverged. This shows that expedient means cannot be used forever, so they were succeeded by the true teaching. Thus, light spread to other lands, flowers blossomed in the heavens, expressing a long-held silence and proclaiming the path of the single vehicle. The *Sutra of Infinite Meanings* served as the preface, revealing that after separation, reunion is inevitable. The present sutra serves as a comprehensive summary, clarifying that one must practice after realizing the wonderful union. Therefore, Shakyamuni, the Thus Come One, pointed to the realization of truth on Vulture Peak, and Maitreya, the next to come, requested entry at the Multi-Storied Pavilion. Thus, those with great capacities who delight in the Buddha’s path may return to it without detour. Truly, this text is the correct guide to the Samadhi of the Lotus Sutra.
In the past, the wise Tiantai Master first received it from Nanyue, practiced it on Dasu Mountain, dedicated himself to it in the meditation hall, and realized it through the expedient means of complete mastery. His eloquence flowed like a spring. He then set an example for the imperial court, adorned the Buddha’s teachings, and completed the three great deeds and the twofold adornment of merit and wisdom—all based on this. Those who follow the path must walk in the footsteps of the wise before them. Though a thousand-mile journey begins with a single step, I know they will surely reach the destination. Have no doubt.
Now, the Dharma Master Benru of Dongye Mountain, seeking to be an enlightened one, purifies his mind in Samadhi. Reflecting on the path of nirvana, he follows the sages with faith and sincerity. For ninety days, he made vows, preached the wonderful Lotus Sutra, performed the Samantabhadra repentance, and upheld the precepts of teaching and practice, avoiding the criticism of merely counting treasures. He then carved woodblocks to print ten thousand copies of this sutra. Those who are able to read one volume daily for life, or multiple volumes, are given them as gifts. Through reading, one comes to know the path; knowing the path, one understands practice; understanding practice, one reaches the goal; reaching the goal, one teaches others—from one person to ten thousand, from ten thousand to countless beings. Now, the recipients of these texts number in the thousands, and those they teach in turn are beyond counting. How can this be fully comprehended? Oh, great is the one who reads and upholds this sutra! Such a person holds the Buddha’s body, holds the Buddha’s eyes, holds the Buddha’s treasure. They hold the seal of the Dharma, seal all dharmas, and achieve great nirvana. Such a person possesses the virtues of a great monk. They are worthy of offerings from all humans and celestial beings. They are a Dharma tower, worthy of reverent bowing from afar.
Written in the second year of Tiansheng, the year of the Wood Rat, the second month, on the fifteenth day.