No. 497-A金剛經石注自序
Diamond Sutra Stone Commentary Author's Preface
西天佛經甚多，惟金剛經是如來微妙心法，乃禪宗之至寶也。予參悟多年，因著金剛經石註一部。愚註與眾不同，每節分註、論、講、證四段，倣張居正四書直解例，先逐字破義，後以淺言直說，意在闡明佛旨。學者只須由此參悟，自得正果而不錯矣。
The Western Heaven contains many Buddhist scriptures, but the Diamond Sutra alone holds the Tathāgata's subtle mind-Dharma, making it the supreme treasure of the Zen school. Having contemplated it for many years, I have therefore written a commentary on the Diamond Sutra in stone. My humble commentary differs from others—each section is divided into four parts: Annotation, Discussion, Explanation, and Testimony, following the example of Zhang Juzheng's Direct Explanation of the Four Books. I first break down the meaning of each word, then speak directly in plain language, aiming to illuminate the Buddha's intent. Students need only contemplate through this approach, and they will naturally attain the correct fruit without error.
略曰：此經註解極多，大半隔靴撓痒，須要實悟真參，纔得心明性朗。我今直說根源，不用狐思亂想，但能至誠受持，開卷瞭如指掌。書內文載讀法十條，闢妄十條，以及總旨辨異，極簡極明。但此書每部計一百二十頁，予發願印送一萬部，奉送二年，已足如願。自愧力薄，不能又送，倘有善信，隨意買紙，予出印板聽刷，分文不取，共勷勝舉。凡求如願功德，不亞於河沙寶施也。
A brief note: There are many commentaries on this sutra, but most only scratch the surface. True understanding requires sincere practice and direct experience, only then can the mind be clear and the nature bright. I now speak directly of the source, with no need for idle speculation. As long as you receive and uphold it with utmost sincerity, opening the book will be like seeing clearly in the palm of your hand.
Within this work are ten rules for reading, ten rules for correcting false views, as well as general principles and clarifications of differences — extremely simple and clear. Each copy of this book is 120 pages. I have made a vow to print and distribute ten thousand copies, offering them free for two years, and this vow has now been fulfilled. Ashamed of my limited means, I cannot continue giving them away. If there are good and faithful people who wish to buy paper at will, I will provide the printing blocks for them to print as they like, taking not a single cent, so that together we may accomplish this worthy deed. The merit gained by those who seek fulfillment of their wishes will be no less than giving countless treasures as offerings.
但願人人福壽長。此邵子語也。予於人情世事，無論大小雅俗，但有利益者，俱以淺言刊書行世。正續共取初集，二三四集亦可聽便編定孝弟忠信字號。但此書若能正續全得，庶可盡悉。善體略者，自必心賞神怡，福壽綿長矣。賜教者可至揚州府西昇平街圈門內，便是小齋。