The *Shimen Guiyi Yi* (A Guide to the Rites of Homage in the Buddhist Tradition) is the great statute for both worldly and transcendent acts of homage, and the guiding thread for all contemplative practice in understanding and phenomena. For this reason, past generations treasured it as a mirror and touchstone. Yet nowadays, its practice is no longer widely observed—why is this? I suspect it is because its text is lofty and profound in meaning, making it exceedingly difficult to comprehend. Like a mosquito trying to bite an iron ox, one ultimately gains nothing. Thus, those of shallow understanding and ordinary ability gain little benefit from it.

In the past, the Vinaya Master Ran of Xiaoshan composed a commentary, the *Kewen* (Outline Text), and also the *Tongzhen Ji* (Record of Penetrating Reality) in three fascicles, which explored the hidden meanings and revealed what was obscure. However, due to numerous errors in transmission and transcription, the text’s structure and reasoning became chaotic. Those who aspired to study it could only lament.

Now, the Bhikshu Huimen Guang of Mount Asahi in the northern capital region is an outstanding figure in the Vinaya academy. Always revering the ancient teachings and carrying forward the works of past sages, he has restored many texts that were on the verge of being lost. He obtained a reliable edition of the *Tongzhen Ji*, and with great joy, he bowed reverently before it. He carefully collated and corrected errors, savoring its meaning repeatedly, and appended notes directly beneath the main text. He divided it into sections, establishing a clear outline above, and compiled it into three fascicles. He also added Japanese readings (kunten) for the convenience of future learners. Once the woodblocks were carved and the printing completed, he asked me to write a preface.

Although I fear the embarrassment of a clumsy imitation, I cannot withhold my support. To see goodness and not praise it is prohibited in the Buddha’s teachings; even the gentlemen of the Confucian tradition caution against it. Thus, I have taken up my brush and added this humble preface.

At the time of the Genroku era, on the day of the Buddha's Enlightenment.

Preface respectfully composed by the humble monk Miaobianya at the Miyan Temple west of the capital Luoyang.