Preface to the Refutation of Heterodox Teachings

Western learning excels in technical ingenuity but falls short in understanding the mind. When it comes to explaining the flexible nature of truth and the subtle workings of human consciousness, it becomes fragmented and exaggerated—almost impossible to take seriously. They merely use flashy language and novelty to pose as true inquiry, spreading falsehoods that corrupt the truth, followed by one deceptive theory after another. As for their attitude toward creation, demons and saints, they reject ancestral rites and abandon mourning for parents, they depict a crucified figure as divine, and consider indulgent feasting as spiritual discipline. Everything in the world is turned upside down, truly baffling to reason.

Yet because they excel in technical ingenuity, they think all matters of the universe can be measured and grasped through clever techniques, and the ignorant are deceived by this illusion. I say these barbarians invent marvelous devices to subdue the simple-minded, borrow the name of Jesus to deceive other nations, with the ambition to devour the entire world with empty hands—their cunning schemes are no less than a serpent or a dragon.

Our Great Sage, the Buddha, once said: In the final age of the world, demons and devils will arise in competition, taking wrong for right and falsehood for truth. Now we see that his prophecy was not mistaken. Recently, these barbarians have forced their way into our cities and villages, using trade as an excuse while secretly spreading their heretical religion. I fear that trade is one thing, but the prohibition of their heresy will gradually erode.

I have read the works of layman Ming Zhenzhong—*First and Second Expositions on the Heavenly Teachings*—and the writings of Master Luo Chuan of the Pure Zen school, *First Refutation of the Heavenly Teachings*. Their discussions on Confucianism and Buddhism lay out the truth clearly and powerfully, like two beautiful jades joined together. They can truly be called a "Qin mirror" that exposes the demon's true face. I have added punctuation and commentary, and published them together for the public. As for the ban on heretical teachings...

In this enlightened era, the principles are indeed of utmost importance. However, customs follow the world's fortune, and affairs change with the times. Our community must wholeheartedly uphold the great decrees of the Kanei period, taking the prevention of small wrongdoings and the avoidance of future troubles as our mission. As the saying goes, "If we do not block a trickle, it will eventually become a great river." Should we not regard this with reverence? Should we not take it as a warning? Thus, this preface.

Written during the autumn of the first year of the Man'en era, in the Gengshen year, at the Old Sutra Hall on the Southern Edge of the Temple.

Here is the translation of the text "愛道人撰" (Aidaoren Zhuan / Written