The Dharma Master was a native of southern India in the Western Regions, the third son of a Brahmin king. His innate wisdom was lucid and expansive: whatever he heard, he immediately comprehended. His aspiration lay in the Mahayana path; therefore, he cast aside white garments for the black robes, continuing and magnifying the sacred lineage. His mind rested in profound emptiness and stillness, while he clearly perceived the affairs of the world. He was illumined both inwardly and outwardly, his virtue transcending the ordinary world. Grieving that the true teaching had declined in these remote regions, he crossed mountains and seas from afar, journeying and teaching in the lands of Han and Wei.

Those who had relinquished mind all turned to him in faith; those who still clung to views gave rise to mockery and slander. At that time there were only Daoyu and Huike. Though these two sramanas belonged to a later generation, their noble aspirations were lofty and far-reaching. Fortunate to encounter the Dharma Master, they served him for several years, earnestly and reverently seeking his instruction, and capably received the Master’s intent.

Moved by their sincerity, the Dharma Master instructed them in the true Way: thus to pacify the mind, thus to undertake practice, thus to accord with circumstances, and thus to employ skillful means. This is the Mahayana Dharma of pacifying the mind, free from error and confusion. To pacify the mind in this manner is wall-contemplation. To undertake practice in this manner is the Four Practices. To accord with circumstances in this manner is to guard against mockery and censure. To employ skillful means in this manner is to free them from attachment. This briefly recounts the circumstances of its transmission.

Preface by the disciple Tanlin