A Translation and Study of Chán Master Jìngxi?’s ???? Preface to the Z?táng jí ???

This paper examines Chán master Jìngxi?’s preface to the original Z?táng jí in one scroll, which was presented him by Jìng and Yún at Zh?oqìng monastery Quánzh?u around mid-tenth century. Building on a recent TEI-based edition, it offers an annotated translation comprehensive analysis of preface, with special attention its structure, linguistic features, issues intertextuality. The essay focuses elements textual history, possible incentives behind compilation jí, perception text. Most importantly, this study investigates detail two idiomatic expressions used Jìngxi? (i.e., “[cases of] shu?hè easily arise”; “[the characters] w? m? are difficult distinguish”), showing their significance for understanding preface. In addition, we demonstrate that further research is needed support hypothesis according would correspond first fascicles received Goryeo edition 1245. Eventually, article serves as part summary history aimed facilitating studies highly important