The Dharma Master was a native of Southern India in the Western Regions, the third son of a Brahmin king. His numinous wisdom was open and lucid; whatever he heard, he understood and awakened to. His aspiration was for the Mahāyāna path, and so he abandoned lay attire for monastic robes, continuing and uplifting the sacred lineage. His mind was immersed in empty quiescence, and he comprehended and discerned worldly affairs. He was clear regarding both inner and outer matters, and his virtue transcended the world. Grieving that the true teaching was declining in remote regions, he traveled across mountains and seas to teach and transform in the lands of Han and Wei.

Those who had relinquished their minds all took refuge in and placed faith in him; those who retained their views gave rise instead to ridicule and slander. At that time there were only Daoyu and Huike. Though these two śramaṇas were younger men, their noble aspirations were lofty and far-reaching. Fortunate to encounter the Dharma Master, they attended him for several years, respectfully and reverently seeking instruction, and were well received into their teacher’s confidence.

Moved by their utmost sincerity, the Dharma Master instructed them in the true path: how to settle the mind, how to put practice into action, how to accord with circumstances, and how to employ skillful means. This is the Mahāyāna method of settling the mind, ensuring that there is no error or confusion. To settle the mind in this way is wall contemplation. To put practice into action in this way is the four practices. To accord with circumstances in this way is to guard against ridicule and reproach. To employ skillful means in this way is to free them from attachment. This is a brief account of its origins.

Preface by the disciple Tanlin