英語訳
【Page 64・Final page of Denritsu Zugen Kaishū Volume II】
【Upper section】
I have taken up the brush to compile these records. This demonstrates that the scholarly path of National Master Gyōnen, the Vinaya master, lies fundamentally in the study of lineage methods. Therefore, to make the genealogical charts known, I have now examined ancient texts and excerpted records to write this out. The varieties of ancestral masters' names are extremely numerous. However, what the disciples use generally should not exceed these. Later scholars who find errors should make new corrections. I am ashamed of my poor calligraphy and writing before others' eyes. This hardly merits disclosure. I only pray that through the merit of revising this draft, it may serve as a means for eliminating sins and generating good.
In the palace of True Suchness, the moon of the three bodies shines brightly; on the platform of True Reality, the flowers of the seven treasures bloom ever more brilliantly.
Eastern Great Temple subsidiary Vinaya monk, quasi-bhikṣu Ryōnen Jūkei (age 27, nine summers in the dharma)
1. The Matter of the Appearance of Sacred Relics from the Golden Pagoda of the Ordination Platform Hall
On the 14th day of the 3rd month of Kōji 2 (1276), year of the fire-rat, at the hour of the cock, Buddha relics were excavated from the ruins of Tōzen-in.
Generally speaking, Tōzen-in was the former site of Master Jianzhen (Ganjin), a sacred ground of our temple's scale. However, after its decline, for many years there were no traces of the monks' quarters, and secular houses stood eave to eave. When Priest Supervisor Jōshin was in charge of temple affairs, he demolished numerous private houses and erected a single Buddha hall. Later, at that Buddha hall, the contemporary stone platform construction promoter Saint Saikō (Lotus Reality Hall) frequently made great vows for restoration. First, for the enclosing walls on four sides, he solicited the local people and had them clear the thorns and brambles. At the northwest corner there was a large burial mound. When they had it excavated to level the ground, a white lapis lazuli jar was dug up from the base of the wall. (About three inches at the mouth. It immediately broke into three pieces under the hoe. However, the Buddha relics had gathered into one mass like chestnut rice cakes forming three balls, with a few scattered about.) At that time, Priest Chūdō and
【Lower section】
Shōzen rushed first from Shingon-in to that site and reverently placed the aforementioned Buddha relics in an incense box. This is where they reverently retrieved them.
These Buddha relics were distributed by King Śūraṅgama in the land of Candragomin (India). A Sanskrit monk brought 5,000 grains to Daming Temple in Yangzhou, Tang China, where they were given to Master Jianzhen. Of these, 2,000 grains were enshrined in the pagoda of Daiyun Temple, and 3,000 grains were brought by the master. 1,000 grains went to Shōdai Temple, 1,000 grains to Emperor Shōmu, and 1,000 grains were enshrined at Tōzen-in.
The details are in the Record of Sacred Relic Miracles. The miraculous record comprises one volume of about sixty-plus pages.
【Page 1】
【Upper section】
Preface to the Vinaya Garden Monk Treasure Biographies
Tang Minister Zheng Weizhong once asked Liu Zhixuan: "Since ancient times there have been many literary scholars but few with historical talent. Why?" He replied: "History has three excellences: talent, learning, and discernment. The world rarely combines all these, hence few have historical talent." China is a land of literary culture where court officials and renowned scholars are as numerous as a cartload or measured by the bushel. Yet when it comes to historical talent, few still combine all qualities. How much more so in Japan?
Master Kaisan Kenchō of Anyō Temple in Kotō entered the monastic gates in his youth and transcended the dusty world. His character is pure and his learning broad, his discernment far-reaching and his talent heroic. He penetrates ancient and modern times and studies both doctrinal and Zen teachings. He is truly a literary phoenix of the Buddhist gate, a great whale of the dharma ocean. In recent years, during his leisure in retirement, he compiled the fifteen-volume Vinaya Garden Monk Treasure Biographies containing approximately 300 individuals, occasionally composing eulogies for them. From the Western Heaven and Eastern Land down to our mulberry grove country, he has gathered virtually all the exemplary conduct and excellent words of eminent Vinaya masters. His writing is direct yet concise, his accounts precise yet detailed. This is worthy of being called the monastic history of one era of the Vinaya school. I believe the Vinaya collection was personally proclaimed by the Tathāgata's golden mouth. After his passing, Venerable Upāli compiled it, and the assembly of saints repeatedly produced verses. Through this, sage teachers and great masters widely propagated it in the world, with representatives in each generation. They are truly wisdom lamps illuminating the world, precious rafts for crossing the river. Thus the Buddha said: "You bhikṣus, after my passing, should revere and treasure the Prātimokṣa like encountering light in darkness or a poor person finding treasure. Know that this is your great teacher. Even if I remained in the world, there would be no difference."
The Tathāgata's earnest entrusted teachings—the master already follows and practices them, without shame at being a descendant of Nanshan. Moreover, examining his complete compilation, not only does his talent and literary excellence stand out, but particularly commendable is his long-held aspiration to support the school.
【Lower section】
This is praiseworthy indeed. He has long requested that I write a preface, and I cannot decline with excuses. I secretly reflect that not praising when seeing good is unworthy of a gentleman. Therefore I describe the general outline at the beginning of this volume, hoping that those indolent parasites who have improperly infiltrated the monastic ranks without cultivating precept-virtue or establishing moral conduct might know there is cause for vigilance.
Written in the fifth year of Jōkyō, year of earth-dragon (1688), on the full moon day of mid-spring, by Nangen, dharma-heir monk of China, in the Tentoku hermitage.