暉洲旲禪師語錄序
Preface to the Recorded Sayings of Chan Master Huizhou Wu
像法之季，去佛益遠，學者穿鑿，迷失其真，滔滔莽莽，愈趨愈下。余嘗為之太息，乃欲楷其宗極，論其旨趣，而得所正。雖有其心，奈時為限，無可如何。須知佛祖典型，兒孫眼目，先天地而非無，後天地而非有，攝山河日月於一微塵裡，現廣大色身於百草頭邊，變通則無窮無盡，宣揚果難說難明。還望有志之士，研精而信其詣，推訂而合其規，甄別去取，務臻其妙，使後進稍有式從。故余求賢之切，日汲汲而不能已也。憶昔暉洲旲姪禪師，由奉天到山，沖然偉度，其言恂恂，與我周旋，猶子之誼殊恭。出開法語要讀之，攻實學，修篤行，根本端詳，師模從古，不以凡近雜出，無愧於龍池嫡系。遴次數則，補入全書。別去二三載，今年夏，忽命一使，脩簡牘，備隆儀，申省候，禮甚虔。呈其十二會錄，請余鑒定，并求弁言，殊難固辭，略為攷正。觀其發演該通，應對敏捷，不走險而挺奇，亦可為中行獨復者也。宜付棗梨，傳之將來，庶不負余汲汲求賢之三致意焉。
In this age of the Dharma's decline, we drift ever further from the Buddha's time. Scholars dissect and analyze, losing sight of the true essence. The teachings become muddled and chaotic, sinking deeper with each passing generation. I have often sighed over this, wishing to clarify the ultimate principles and discuss their true meaning, to restore what is correct. Though I have the intention, time is my constraint, and there is little I can do.
We must understand that the models left by the Buddhas and patriarchs are like eyes for their descendants. They exist before heaven and earth, yet are not nonexistent; they remain after heaven and earth, yet are not merely existent. They gather mountains, rivers, sun, and moon within a single speck of dust, and manifest their vast form atop every blade of grass. Their adaptability is endless and boundless, yet to explain and propagate them is truly difficult to articulate and comprehend.
I still hope that those with determination will study deeply, believe in their attainment, examine and align with their principles, discern what to adopt and what to discard, striving to reach their subtlety so that later learners may have something to follow. Thus, my earnest search for the worthy grows more urgent with each passing day.
I recall the Zen Master Wu, nephew of Hui Zhou, who came from Fengtian to the mountain. His demeanor was humble yet majestic, his words sincere and gentle. In our interactions, he showed the respect of a nephew. He presented his essential teachings on Dharma for me to read—practical learning, diligent practice, with roots firmly grounded. His model followed the ancients, never mixing in ordinary or shallow views, truly worthy of the Longchi lineage. I selected several passages to include in this complete work.
After parting for two or three years, this summer he suddenly sent a messenger bearing a letter, generous gifts, and sincere inquiries, with utmost reverence. He presented his *Twelve Assembly Records*, asking me to examine and authenticate them, and requesting a preface. It was difficult to refuse, so I made slight corrections.
Observing his teachings—comprehensive in exposition, swift in response—he does not venture into extremes or seek the bizarre, but walks the middle path with solitary return. It is fitting to print and preserve this work for the future, so as not to disappoint my repeated earnest hopes in seeking the worthy.
康熙三十八年歲次己卯閏月望日深雪永潛叟撰於西山聖感方丈