Memorials and Edicts Collection of the Great Discernment and Vast Wisdom Tripitaka Master, Posthumously Honored as Minister of Works, from the Reign of Emperor Daizong (代宗朝贈司空大辨正廣智三藏和上表制集)

Volume 1: Collected Memorials and Imperial Decrees of Tripitaka Master Guangzhi of Great Distinction (Posthumously Granted Minister of Public Works) under Emperor Daizong

Collected by Shih Yuanzhao of Xi Ming Temple, Chang’an

At the Great Xingshan Temple of the Tang Dynasty, there was a Tripitaka Master. His ordained name was Zhi Zang, and his Dharma title was Amogha Vajra. In Sanskrit, he was known as Amoghavajra. He was originally from the Western Regions. In the past, he studied under the great master Jin'gang Sanzang, receiving instruction in the True Words (Mantra teachings). For twenty-four years he followed his teacher, earnestly seeking knowledge.

After the master passed away, he journeyed to the Five Regions of India, thoroughly studying and reviewing all the Sanskrit texts on Yoga. He traveled widely and extensively. Then he returned to the Imperial Capital. Sometimes he taught in the Hexi region, and sometimes he returned to the area within the Pass. At the end of the Tianbao Era, when the barbarian cavalry invaded the Pass, during the second year of the Zhide Era (757 CE), the capital of Luoyang was recaptured. The Master personally received the Imperial decree. He meticulously set up an altar and served as the Master of Consecration (Abhisheka). He was favored by three successive emperors.

Documents such as thank-you notes from the Master, imperial replies, and the transmission of teachings from master to disciple—in total about one hundred and forty-four pieces—were compiled into six volumes. Hopefully, these will be passed down to future generations, so that diligent students may understand his intentions.