Now, regarding the origin of this sutra, it originally had no preface. Earlier sages moved the preface from the commentary to the beginning of the sutra because they appreciated its comprehensive meaning and clear expression of the sutra's intent. Using the commentary's preface as the sutra's preface can be said to perfectly combine beauty and virtue. However, the preface and the sutra are separated by a great span of time, which is why few have annotated it.

This summer, I accepted an invitation from Longhua Temple in Shanghai to expound upon this sutra. The assembly of practitioners numbered no fewer than two thousand, yet most were beginners in their studies. They were still unfamiliar with the characters, meanings, and sentence structures, let alone able to grasp the deeper principles. At that time, fellow practitioners requested that I break this preface into sentences and chapters, providing brief explanations to assist beginners in gradually ascending to higher understanding. Unable to decline, I followed the approach of the Lotus Sutra's propagation, organizing it into sections and headings, and began writing to clarify its meaning. From beginning to end, the work was completed in a short time, and I titled it *Zhiwei Shu* (Commentary on the Flavor of a Single Point). The idea is that reading the entire sutra is like enjoying a feast from a large pot, while studying this commentary is like savoring the flavor of a single bite. Everyone joined their palms in approval.

I said, "Although this draft is complete, it is rather hasty. I know it is like a rustic song, not worthy of being heard by refined ears. I only hope that all of you will not shy away from its complexity but will ponder it deeply, for it may still serve as a single drop in the ocean of offerings."

Some might say, "For those who are new to the teachings, since they are entirely unfamiliar with the sutra's meaning and unaware of its depths, what use is this commentary?" I reply, "How can you say such a thing? Have you not heard that those who seek wisdom must first establish a foundation, and those who inquire broadly must first acquire basic knowledge? This commentary is precisely meant to help beginners grasp the essential outline of the entire sutra from the start, clarifying its key points so they will not sigh in confusion. How can it be considered too early?"

I only hope that diligent practitioners and fellow seekers of the Way will first read the sutra thoroughly, then settle their minds in contemplation. May they understand this commentary and penetrate its meaning, transcending words and appearances to merge with the truth. May their inherent light one day shine forth, dissolving the distinctions of senses, objects, and consciousness. Then even the teachings, the Dharma, and the body-mind will be seen as secondary—how much more so this commentary, which relies on conventional understanding? Would it not then be mere superfluous words?

On the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, in the summer of the Guisi year of the Guangxu reign, the late student of the Tiantai school, the monk Zhuo San, Di Xian, set down his brush and thus wrote.