No. 961-A梓施食通覽序
Preface to the Complete Guide to Food Offerings for the Dead
詳夫檀施有三種焉一曰財施二曰法施三曰無畏施夫法食之施能兼三施而有焉歟其以飲食濟彼饑虗一也其施以呪食法隨食入二也其與法食已令彼等所有恐怖悉皆捨離解脫幽趣三也不特所施而於能施五果現臻二嚴當備夫法食之施亦兼二利而有焉歟諸佛之所稱揚羣賢之所褒述固無容擬議也但弗之察者往往有言吾敦乎本不騖乎末彼役志于施福者果何為也哉噫萬行有般若以為導則三輪空寂雖終日施奚病焉苟徒拘泥而墮斷滅之見則違道遠矣施食通覽者石芝法師曉公之所編也葢公以甞知其施食之法簡而易行約而成功乃取典籍之有涉于此者彚為此書使人人了然知其所自則公之仁慈之及物不其博哉予幸得此書於京師一寓目不勝嘆賞遂采數本而訂其亥豕兼為和訓而梓之是欲施食之法益洋溢於不窮也此書之編其意良出于此善讀者信之篤行之誠則三施可成五果可臻二嚴可備而亦無負於曉公之所望矣。
There are three kinds of giving: first, the giving of material wealth; second, the giving of the Dharma; and third, the giving of fearlessness. The giving of Dharma-food can encompass all three. How so? First, when we relieve someone’s hunger with food and drink, that is the giving of material wealth. Second, when we offer food blessed with mantras, the Dharma enters along with the food — that is the giving of the Dharma. Third, when we offer Dharma-food, it causes the recipients to abandon all their fears and liberate themselves from the dark realms — that is the giving of fearlessness.
And the benefits are not limited to the recipients. For the giver, too, five kinds of good fruits will arise, and the two adornments will be perfected. Indeed, the giving of Dharma-food brings benefit to both self and other. This is why it is praised by all Buddhas and lauded by all sages, beyond any need for discussion.
Yet, some fail to understand. They say, “I focus on the essential and don’t pursue the trivial. What is the use of devoting oneself to the merit of giving?” But they are mistaken. When the practice of giving is guided by wisdom, the three spheres — giver, receiver, and gift — are seen as empty and calm. Then, even if one gives all day long, what harm can there be? If, however, one clings rigidly to emptiness and falls into the view of annihilation, that would be far from the Way.
This book, *A Comprehensive Guide to the Giving of Food*, was compiled by the Venerable Master Xiaoshi. Knowing that the practice of offering food is simple to perform yet effective, he gathered relevant scriptures and compiled them into this volume so that everyone could clearly understand its origin. His compassion for beings is truly vast.
I was fortunate to obtain this book in the capital. A single glance filled me with admiration. I collated several editions, corrected the errors, added reading marks, and had it printed. My hope is that the practice of offering food will spread endlessly.
The purpose of this book is precisely this. If you read it with faith and practice it with sincerity, you will accomplish the three kinds of giving, attain the five fruits, perfect the two adornments, and fulfill Master Xiaoshi’s heartfelt aspiration.
旹元祿辛未四年仲秋清旦
In the early morning of autumn in the year 1691 (Genroku 4, the Year of the Metal Sheep).
湖東安養律寺沙門戒山謹識
Respectfully recorded by Jieshan, a monk from the An'yang Vinaya Temple east of the lake.