Excerpt from the Commentary on the Esoteric Explanation of the Mahavairocana Sutra

Imperial Guard Commander, Recipient of the Purple Goldfish Pouch, Subject Zhao Xiaoyan, Respectfully Composed by Imperial Decree

How magnificent is the teaching of the Tathagata! It has both exoteric and esoteric aspects. What is called exoteric refers to the five natures and three vehicles; what is called esoteric refers to the total upholding of the secret treasury. As for perfectly cultivating the myriad practices, fully realizing the ten bodies, suddenly understanding the mind of the one dharma realm, and directly transcending three incalculable eons—this is the power of miraculous transformation and empowerment, truly inconceivable. Therefore, Vairocana Buddha personally spoke it, and the Vajra Secret Lord subsequently transmitted the mind seal—profound beyond profound, secret beyond secret.

From the Tang Dynasty, there was the Tripitaka Master Shanwuwei, who came from Central India, bearing the Sanskrit original. Together with the Chan Master Yixing, he received an imperial edict to translate it. Its principles were extremely profound, and it was still difficult to enter into. Thus, they requested Shanwuwei to expound it again, and Yixing then expanded and refined the text, naming it the "Meaning Commentary." This became the key that opens the gate of enlightenment.

Then, in our Great Liao Kingdom, there was the Tripitaka Master Mani, who came from Western India, personally admiring the holy teachings and determined to propagate the mantra scriptures. However, while widely transmitting and teaching, he had not yet had the opportunity to compose treatises. Many years passed, and only now has this work flourished.

We respectfully acknowledge that the Tianyou Emperor possesses wisdom like a deity, with insight and strategy surpassing the ordinary. He governs the state with utmost impartiality, dispensing rewards and punishments without selfishness. He faces the people with great trust, balancing kindness and authority effectively. In studying Confucian texts, he comprehends the essence of rites, music, poetry, and history. In researching Buddhist scriptures, he encompasses the tenets of nature and characteristics, expedient means and ultimate truth. Among the thirty-two teachings of the supreme doctrine, he early grasped the profound meaning. For the one hundred thousand verses of the "Flower Garland," he personally composed majestic words. He cultivates contemplation and practice with refined integration, entering the sudden vehicle and attaining deep realization. From the time he resided in the crown prince's residence, he had already studied Sanskrit—as if born with the knowledge, far beyond mere habitual learning. He understands the roots of sounds and letters and penetrates the sources of aspiration and realization, desiring to let the profound wind of the Dharma also support the flourishing age.

At that time, there was the Master of Total Secrets, the purple-robed Shramana Jueyuan. In youth, he diligently studied like ants gathering grains; in maturity, he was renowned as an elder like a great roc. His learning encompassed the multitude of scriptures; his practice specialized in the esoteric teachings. Receiving Mani's skillful guidance, he exhaustively explored the profound explanations of Yoga. His name stood at the head of the school's masters, and he was commanded to open lecture assemblies. The ultimate principle of the highest vehicle was thus brought to light. Consequently, he compiled a five-volume topical outline, which circulated widely in the world. The master, in leisure from his lectures and discussions, applied refined thought and further composed a ten-volume commentary. There is no aspect of the text not covered, no meaning not encompassed. It reflects the hidden depths of earlier works and illuminates the dim doubts of later learners. His intention is to repay the nation's kindness in the near term and to widely propagate the Buddha's path in the long term. Having already presented it to the throne, he urgently ordered it carved and printed, instructing this humble minister to compose a preface.

Dao'an's heaven is vast—I trust my shallow reed pipe is but a vain effort; Chenguan's moon is high—I am ashamed, separated by a veil, unable to glimpse it fully. Yet I forcefully set forth my crude thoughts, merely to praise these profound words.