Imperial Preface to the Holy Sutra of the True Names of Manjushri
I contemplate that the Way of the Tathagata is vast and all-pervading, lofty and unequaled, profound and boundless, its depths unfathomable, its limits unknowable. It cannot be seen by the eye, nor heard by the ear. It seems to exist, yet seems not to exist; it neither arises nor ceases. Its nature and form cannot be grasped through words, its beginning and end cannot be perceived through seeking. It is said to sing of unconditional compassion, its grace extending to all things, and to manifest a light that shines without effort, illuminating even the countless worlds.
When the Buddha remained silent at Magadha and entered stillness, and when he refrained from speech at Vaiśālī, revealing silence as the true meaning, it was then that Mañjuśrī praised him, saying that true entry into the non-dual Dharma gate lies beyond words. The *Holy and Auspicious True Name Sutra* is the ultimate, pure, and perfect enlightenment of all Tathagatas, manifesting both exoteric and esoteric truths. Its meaning is profoundly deep and vast. With great compassion, the Tathagata expounds its wondrous principles, providing supreme skillful means to accomplish complete enlightenment.
The Way is originally nameless, transcending all dualities. Its nature is empty yet truly existent, not vanishing with conditions. It is eternally thus, and thus is called the true reality. Only by not clinging to existence as existence, nor adhering to non-existence as non-existence, can one perceive the Dharma and thereby understand the Way. Therefore, this sutra is vast and profound, encompassing all phenomena without omission, unifying all existence and returning to the truth.
Whenever I recite its words, I comprehend its meaning. For practitioners, it is the jewel in the crown of the magnificent and auspicious one, bestowed upon all beings to increase blessings and wisdom. Thus, I have ordered it printed and widely disseminated, so that all sentient beings may realize this supreme and extraordinary truth, thereby perfecting their merit, instantly transcending the gate of conditioned existence, and ascending the path of prajñā. Otherwise, turning away from truth and becoming lost in nature, or engaging in contentious debates and favoring deviations—how can one reach the shore of this sutra, let alone tread its path? Those who study the Way should devote themselves wholeheartedly to it.
With reverence, I proclaim this praise.
The Most Sublime and Auspicious, The Vast and Profound True Name, Spoken by the Tathagata for the benefit of all, Transcending birth, death, and decay.
Only this supreme Enlightenment, Can sever all afflictions completely. Such profound meaning is wondrously proclaimed, Yet it is beyond words and speech.
The Dharma King, with great sovereign power, Skillfully bestows methods upon the world. Like sweet dew filling the sky, All realms of existence are nourished.
Each phrase, each meaning, is infinitely wondrous, This is the purest and highest vehicle. With vajra might, it subdues all demons, Taming them over countless eons.
Bringing benefit in every way, It is the jewel of non-dual truth. Reciting, explaining, and contemplating it, Brings happiness to all.
Hearing it is like the lion's roar, Wherever beings are, there is the Pure Land. Seated serenely upon a jeweled lotus, Both feet firmly on the shore of wisdom.
May all beings realize their true nature, And each transcend through this very gate. I take refuge in the peerless True King, Whose virtues are beyond thought.
Praising this profound and subtle truth, The Most Auspicious One becomes Buddha.
April 17th, 1409