No. 909-A新刻三觀義序
Preface to the Newly Engraved Edition of "The Meaning of the Three Contemplations"
四教義從觀出教。依教開解。三觀義融教入觀。依解立行。目足相扶。殆罔俱治之。二書蓋闕一不可也。昔者智者大師為大機感。親注淨名。此其玄談也。而三觀義在支那亡逸已久矣。吾邦幸而雙璧並傳。不寶護而可乎。但三觀義雖有舊刊。較之四教義鹵莽頗多。守篤純和尚深憂之。精加考訂。且著科文及籤錄。以闡幽蘊。本山學黌有魁首貫充者。曾為諸生講授此書。其正譌訂誤分文折義。一取準繩於純和尚也。因乃發心將以其校本授剞劂。氏會復獲檀助梓事。不日而成。豈非其護法之誠能致冥祐耶。頃謁余告其喜。且索題一辭。因為誌其顛末亦以示隨喜之衷云。
The Four Teachings Doctrine arises from contemplation and is explained through teaching. The Three Contemplations Doctrine integrates teaching into practice and establishes conduct through understanding. Like eyes and feet supporting each other, both are essential—neither can be neglected. These two texts are inseparable.
In the past, Master Zhiyi, responding to the needs of great capacities, personally annotated the Vimalakirti Sutra, which contains profound discussions. However, the Three Contemplations Doctrine had long been lost in China. I am fortunate that both treasures are now transmitted together—how can we not cherish and protect them? Although the Three Contemplations Doctrine had earlier editions, compared to the Four Teachings Doctrine, they were rather rough. Venerable Shoudu Chun deeply concerned about this, meticulously examined and revised them, and added commentaries and annotations to clarify their hidden meanings.
At our mountain monastery, there is a leading scholar named Guanchong, who once taught this text to students. His corrections of errors and analysis of meanings all followed the standards set by Venerable Chun. Thus, he resolved to have his revised version carved for printing. With the support of donors, the printing was soon completed. Was this not due to his sincere devotion to the Dharma, which invoked divine protection?
Recently, he visited me to share his joy and requested a preface. Therefore, I record these events to express my heartfelt rejoicing.
時天明戊申秋九月東叡山凌雲院僧正智願海藏撰No. 909
In the autumn of the ninth month in the year Wushen, during the Tianming era, the monk Zheng Zhiyuan Haizang of the Lingyun Temple on Mount Dongrui composed this. No. 909.
維摩詰經三觀玄義卷上
Vimalakirti Sutra: Profound Meaning of the Three Contemplations, Volume 1
隋天台山修禪寺沙門 智顗 撰
Compiled by Zhiyi, Monk of Xiuchan Temple on Mount Tiantai, Sui Dynasty