In the Han dynasty, the map of China was drawn. Emperor Wu (r. 141 BCE– 87 BCE) expanded the frontiers; [Marquis] Bowang
Past Guazhou
In the mythical past, King Shun
On this righteous plain where virtuous roots run deep, people sacrificed their lives for the pursuit of the Way. They contemplated the teachings of the Seven Buddhas and heard the sound of scriptures taught by the Three Honored Ones. Thus, they had no fear and attained the supreme stages, received scriptures on palm leaves, and continuously practiced virtuous deeds. Here at Dunhuang by the brink of River Dang
Furthermore, in the dark recess [of the Library Cave], treasure was locked away, like the Imperial Library of Orchid Terrace
A śramaṇa of Mount Kuaiji, Ven. Zhanru acts as a professor at the capital. Having deeply felt suffering and emptiness [of all existence], he renounced the world as a teenager. Focused and diligent, he has a profound knowledge of the Three Baskets and excels at vinayas. He thoroughly studied the vinayas of five divisions, and achieved an understanding that unified them all. For a long time, I have known Ven. Zhanru; but never do I stop admiring his serene demeanors, pure conduct, and great aspirations. I envy also his all-reaching grasp of classics, Buddhist and non-Buddhist alike. He expounds all the subtle wonders of the disciplinary rituals of Buddhism. His clarity and profundity, and his otherworldly freedom, are forever for me to behold.
For years I have been relishing Ven. Zhanru’s oeuvre on Dunhuang disciplinary rituals. Each time, I gained insights anew. With the kind permission of the master himself, I have convened talents both in China and overseas who dedicated themselves to translation. With efforts lasting several years, the English translation is finally completed. Today, as the book is ready for print, I am truly delighted.
Buddhism had its heyday in the time of the Northern Dynasty and the Tang Dynasty. Thereafter, calamities frequently struck, while Buddhism weakened and changed. Ancient masters receded into the distant past, so their texts have also gradually disappeared, not to be rediscovered. Rare are historical texts that remain to our time, with the exception being the Dunhuang Library Cave whose findings bear faithful witness to history. Now Ven. Zhanru has made use of these scantly studied texts, perused them, gathered them, and arrived at persuasive deductions and arguments. Regarding specific time and person information, despite details lost and coherency broken, and though a complete view is impossible, some trails remain that Ven. Zhanru has retraced, so that of the whole leopard, one ringed spot can still be rendered in view.
This book examines monastic posts and organization, precept platforms and initiations, precept meetings and retreats, feasts and assemblies, and liturgical paeans. These materials, thoroughly collected and diligently collated, are richly detailed. This is the outcome of strenuous efforts in investigating these early materials’ origins. This work has restored what was lost and corrected the false, while discriminating between the different and linking the common – insights are thereby generated in abundance. And the clear analysis elicits in readers a lucid understanding. Where others explain in haste, Ven. Zhanru elaborates with exactitude, uttering thoughts that none has previously spoken. The book, more than an introduction to the Buddhist disciplinary rules, rises like an ocean of wisdom that with an awe-inspiring force encompasses all trends.
Dunhuang Studies, much studied by foreign scholars, has accumulated a dense and wide-ranging scholarship. Ven. Zhanru, having studied under many teachers, put forth newer and clearer insights, poised on the cutting edge. For many arguments, he collated materials as support that also, more than any other contenders, inspire conviction.
Ven. Zhanru prefers serenity and shuns clamor. In his early days, with books glued to hands, he devoured classics, both Buddhist and non-Buddhist. And yet, to propagate the dharma, how could one confine their steps to mountains and woods? Golden wheels may deviate; a dharma banner may snap and break. So, he re-emerged in the world for the propagation of Buddhism. But he still maintains a strong bond with books, so, at each occasion when spared from practice and teaching, Ven. Zhanru re-immerses himself into the scriptures, seeking their truths and delighting in their teaching. Through his efforts, the wind of monastic learning blows strong still.
Now, Ven. Zhanru has requested me to draft a preface to undeservingly open this book. Fully aware I am of my ignorance that is blind to the obscure and profound teachings, and that made me agitate with many words bound to fall short. For my shallow knowledge, my unease grows ever more uneasy. It is only with the indulgence of Ven. Zhanru that I dare to speak these words for the sake of the preface.
Jinhua Chen, Elder Jingxi of Minhou
June 6, 2022
Vancouver, BC, Canada
Translated by Weiyu Lin