No. 340-A刻淨名疏記序
Preface to the Commentary on the Vimalakīrti Sūtra, Chapter 340-A
智者淨名經疏，部帙廣大，與三部殆比駕焉。隨部各有荊谿之記，猶五經之有正義也。但記之為文，三部則廣，淨名疏則略。均是大部，而其記有廣略者，蓋亦有說。三部俱是九旬敷演，章安所錄，不得不略。其記須委悉釋成，而義意始彰矣，此其所以廣解也。若淨名疏，大師親令侍人筆錄，是故文廣義備。其記止箋釋其難文要義則足矣，此其所以略釋也。雖廣略不侔，然其精揀教門，辨明觀道，以扶翼宗旨，則未初不一致也。(余)曩講疏，深見此記妙解巧釋。第全書久散逸，不得復覩，斷簡殘篇，僅窺一斑耳。近橫川雞頭慈瑗，特索諸南都興福，果獲全帙而還。靈空和尚一見而喜，遂使(余)謀參訂梓行。(余)適病冗交沓，不能從事，乃囑南谿寶積求公。公乃參訂命刻，完璧復瑩乎世矣，寔盛舉也。學人苟藉斯記而商究疏文，藉斯疏而講求經文，則不思議解脫當下薦取，與古文殊老毗耶一鼻孔出氣哉。爰書數言於卷端，為之序云。
The "Sutra of the Wise and Pure One" (Vimalakīrti) commentary is vast in scope, comparable to the three major commentaries. Each of these three major commentaries has annotations by Master Jingxi, much like the Five Classics have their authoritative commentaries. However, while the annotations for the three major commentaries are extensive, the annotations for the "Sutra of the Wise and Pure One" commentary are concise. Even though these are all major works, there is a reason for this difference in depth. The three major commentaries were delivered over ninety days and recorded by Master Zhang'an, so they had to be written in a summary form. Their annotations must explain them thoroughly to bring out the meaning, which is why they are detailed. As for the "Sutra of the Wise and Pure One" commentary, the Great Master (Zhiyi) personally instructed his attendant to transcribe it, so the text itself is already extensive and complete. The annotations only need to clarify difficult passages and key points, which is why they are brief. Although there is a difference in detail, both works carefully examine the teachings, clarify the practice of contemplation, and uphold the core principles, so they are ultimately consistent.
I once lectured on the commentary and deeply appreciated the brilliant interpretations in these annotations. However, the full text had long been scattered and lost; all that remained were fragments. Recently, Master Jici Congci from Hōsen (a temple) specifically sought the complete text from the Kōfuku Temple in Nara, and fortunately found the entire work. Upon seeing it, Master Reikū (Lingkong) was overjoyed and asked me to prepare a collated edition for printing. At that time, I was busy with personal matters and could not take on the task, so I entrusted it to Master Hōseki Kukō (Baoji Qiugong) from Nanke. He carefully edited it and oversaw the carving of the blocks, restoring the text to its perfect state. This is indeed a great undertaking! If learners use these annotations to study the commentary, and use this commentary to delve into the sutra, they will directly realize the inconceivable liberation and breathe through the same nostril as the ancient Mañjuśrī and Vimalakīrti. So I have written these few words as a preface.
旹元文戊午仲冬望日天台山東溪沙門亮潤謹撰