Preface to the Illuminating Commentary on the Golden Light Sutra

The bookseller came and said, "Please examine this book." I opened it and saw that it was Master Shi Zhi Xiao's commentary on the *Sutra of Golden Light*. It was divided into ten sections, each explaining the scripture in full. Up to the ninth section, it presented thirty-six questions and answers. Although it specifically addressed the meaning of "light," it actually applied to all sutras. I could not contain my excitement. In my spare time, I carefully added Japanese readings and published it. Master Shi Zhi's works—the *Records of Teachings and Practices from Siming*, the *Collection of Joyful Writings*, and the *Comprehensive Guide to Offering Food*—have long been circulated in the world, and now this book has also appeared. Ah! Master Xiao's intention to benefit others truly never fades!

In the eighth year of the Genroku era, on an auspicious day in the twelfth month of the year Yihai, the monk Ruhai, a resident scholar at Hōrin Kōji Temple on Mount Gomyōun in Shimōshū, respectfully recorded this. No. 361.

Sutra of Golden Light: Illuminating Commentary, Volume 1

Compiled by Monk Zongxiao of Siming Shizhi