維摩經略疏序
今茲疏文，即隋煬帝請天台大師出之，用為心要，勅文具在《國清百錄》，因令侍者隨錄奏聞。但至〈佛道品〉後分，章安私述續成初文。既筆在侍人，不無繁廣。每有緇素諸深見者，咸欣慕之，但云：「弊其文多。」故輒於其錄而去取之，帶義必存、言繁則剪，使舊體宛然，不易先師之本故也。然自省闇短，慮失元規，甞於墳堂然香求徵：「儻少壞大道，願示以留礙。」二旬未竟，佛道斯終，既免幽訶，寧非冥護！儻裨其宗旨，則光光後昆。冀諸達人恕以專輒。
This commentary originally issued from Emperor Yang of Sui, who requested the Great Master Tiantai to present it as an essential guide. The imperial edict is fully recorded in the *Hundred Records of Guoqing Temple*, instructing attendants to transcribe and report it to the throne. However, after the section on the "Chapter on Buddha’s Teachings," Master Zhang'an privately appended a continuation of the initial text. Since the writing was handled by attendants, it inevitably became lengthy and expansive.
Whenever learned monastics and laypeople of deep insight encountered this text, they admired it but said, "It is burdened by excessive words." Therefore, I have occasionally edited the records—removing what seems excessive while preserving what carries meaning, cutting away verbosity so that the original form remains intact, without altering the foundation of the master.
Nevertheless, I am aware of my own limited understanding and fear deviating from the original standard. I once burned incense at the master’s shrine, seeking a sign: "If I have diminished the great Way in even a small way, may an obstacle be shown." Within twenty days, the section on Buddha’s teachings came to an end. Since I avoided any hidden censure, how could this not be due to invisible protection? If this work contributes to the essence of the teachings, may it illuminate future generations. I hope wise persons will forgive my presumptuous actions.
維摩經略疏卷第一(小卷初)
天台沙門湛然略
Briefly by Zhanran, Monk of Tiantai