No. 968-C
Chapter 968-C
至哉大雄氏之化權也行己化他兼該無遺矣使諸祖之居鷲嶺乞食城中安禪樹下行己之道則同使諸佛而住叢林三千威儀八百細行化他之法亦不得而廢焉及茲像教之季眾愈盛而道則微法愈興而魔則熾噫亦必有由矣往歲龍翔咲隱師校正百丈清規定為九章綱領粲然將以救夫禪林之弊今圓覺雲外師復脩教苑清規折中古今𨤲為十類類以小序標表之視白雲堂舊所傳則加詳焉嗚呼禪林之規既如彼教苑之規又如此規乎矩乎在夫據大床大席者發號施令躬行而人率化則何憂夫魔之弗弱道之弗隆也是則名為報佛恩而國恩之報亦不外是是知從魔事者辜皇上之心行數規者其續慧命之種歟且國朝先教而後禪律是不可不脩其書以張教本於是集也雲外師請翰林學士晉卿黃公為之序序所不及者復俾野人掇而補之善業所在夫何敢辭因時紀事覽者勿責其蕪穢焉。
How vast and profound is the compassionate power of the Great Hero, the Buddha! His teachings encompass both self-cultivation and the guidance of others, leaving nothing incomplete. When the ancient patriarchs dwelled on Vulture Peak, begged for alms in the city, and sat in meditation beneath the trees, their path of self-cultivation was the same. Likewise, when the Buddhas themselves resided in monastic communities, observing the three thousand forms of dignity and the eight hundred detailed rules of conduct, the methods for guiding others were never abandoned.
Now, in this late age of imagery and teachings, the more people gather, the more the Way declines; the more teachings flourish, the more demons rage. Alas, there must be a reason for this. In previous years, Master Xiaoyin of Longxiang Monastery revised the "Baizhang Rules of Purity," organizing them into nine clear chapters as a guiding framework, aiming to remedy the ills of Chan monasteries. Now, Master Yunwai of Yuanjue Monastery has further compiled the "Rules of Purity for Teachings Monasteries," synthesizing ancient and modern practices and dividing them into ten categories, each introduced by a brief preface. Compared with the older version transmitted by the White Cloud Hall, this edition is far more detailed.
Alas! The regulations for Chan monasteries are as they are, and the regulations for Teachings monasteries are likewise. Is it the duty of those who occupy the great seats and great platforms—those who give commands and lead by personal example—to ensure that people follow and are transformed? Then why worry that demons will not weaken and the Way will not flourish? This is truly what it means to repay the Buddha's kindness, and repaying the nation's kindness is also contained within this. Know that those who engage in demonic deeds betray the Emperor's heart, while those who uphold these rules continue the seed of wisdom.
Moreover, in our dynasty, teaching is given priority over Chan and Vinaya. Thus, it is essential to cultivate these texts to strengthen the foundation of teachings. When this compilation was completed, Master Yunwai invited Grand Secretary Huang Jinqing of the Hanlin Academy to write a preface. For what the preface did not cover, Master Yunwai asked me, a humble rustic, to supplement. Since this is a wholesome endeavor, how could I dare refuse? I have written this explanation in accordance with the times; may readers not criticize my rough and trivial words.
至正七年七月七日靈石山登善菴主張 雨書
On the seventh day of the seventh month in the seventh year of the Zhizheng era, Zhang Yu wrote this at the Shanshān Hermitage on Lingshi Mountain.