Preface to the Recorded Sayings of Master Miyin

Understanding the mind and seeing one's true nature—these are the common roots of the three teachings. The words and texts through which they are transmitted are only secondary. Yet, they cannot be passed down without language and writing, because in the present moment, they serve as a means of teaching and as a bridge for future generations. Thus, Confucius left behind the *Analects*, Mencius authored the *Mencius*, Zengzi spoke of sincerity of intention and rectifying the mind, and Zisi traced the origins of heaven and illuminated the Way—all transmitted through language and writing across the ages. Later, many great scholars who grasped these profound origins and shaped their writings have appeared throughout history.

The same is true of the Chan tradition. Since the Patriarch Bodhidharma crossed the river, the teaching was passed down to the Sixth Patriarch, where one blossom opened into five petals, dividing the stream. Among the Five Houses, the Linji school flourished the most, and its lineage continued through generations too numerous to recount. In recent times, the most prominent figure was Master Poshan, whose recorded sayings filled volumes. His teachings and sudden shouts served as direct guidance for later practitioners, and Master Miyin belonged to this same lineage.

A native of Western Sichuan, Master Miyin carried his staff to Southern Chu, where he has resided at Mount Guangfu for over thirty years. He has compiled a collection of his recorded sayings, verses, and hymns—all clear, penetrating, and revealing the original true nature, without losing the legacy of Master Poshan’s robe and bowl. Now, he has asked me to write a preface for this collection.

I replied: "I am but a son of the Confucian school—how could I speak of Chan?" Yet, upon reading his words and grasping their meaning, I see that they take "understanding the mind and seeing one's true nature" as the core principle, and "transcending the mundane world" as the essential teaching. What is called "presenting the Dharma in the here and now" to guide later students is indeed nothing other than this. How could we say that the words of the Chan school are not the same as our Way? And why should we not praise and celebrate them?

As for the insights attained through the mind itself—vast and free beyond heaven and earth, beyond what language and writing can convey—these I cannot know.

Composed respectfully by Zhuang Lin, Presented Scholar of the Imperial Academy, Deputy Commissioner of the Henan Surveillance Commission, Supervisor of the Runan Circuit, Former Director of the Zhangqiu River Works, and Director of the Building Works Department of the Ministry of Works.