Gymnastics 167
mind transmission is contained in this scripture. However, the scrip-
ture’s wording cannot be accurately translated for the language of the
Buddha is esoteric. By contrast, the scripture’s meaning can be ren-
dered. It is intelligible to the common person, leading to sainthood.
Thereupon, Pramiti explained point by point the Sinews Transformation
Classic, and minutely rendered its meaning.
Pramiti convinced the Shaolin monk to stay on the mountain,
where he guided him in self-cultivation. After a hundred days the
monk’s body coagulated into hardness (ninggu). After another hundred
days it was replete [with strength]. After another hundred days it fully
extended. He had obtained what is known as the “Sturdiness of the
Diamond (vajra).” He had entered unobstructed the realm of Buddhist
wisdom. Indeed the Sinews Transformation Classic provided him with a
foundation.
The [Shaolin] monk was resolved to sink no more into worldly
affairs. Therefore he followed the [Indian] holy monk on a pilgrimage
to the sacred islands.^91 Nobody knows where he disappeared to. Xu
Hongke met him across the seas, and received his secret doctrine. He
handed it over to the Bushy-Bearded Hero, and the Bushy-Bearded
Hero handed it over to me.^92
When I put the Sinews Transformation Classic into practice, I ob-
tained marvelous results. Only then did I realize that its words were
authentic and not empty. It is a pity that I did not obtain the secrets of
the Marrow Cleansing Classic, otherwise I would have been able to roam
the Buddha realm. It is likewise regrettable that I was lacking in resolve,
and so, unlike the [Shaolin] monk, I remained mired in worldly matters.
I have merely relied on the Six-Flowers trifle technique to make a name
for myself.^93 I will always be ashamed of this.
Nevertheless, since the world is hardly familiar with this classic’s
wonderful teachings, I respectfully submit this preface, explaining its
derivation from beginning to end. I hope that the readers would strive
after Buddhahood. I wish they would not limit themselves to the
conventional pursuits of the human world. If they all attain Buddha-
hood then they would accomplish the purpose for which the Eminent
Master Bodhidharma handed down this classic. If they hold that martial
heroism suffices to make one famous, history furnishes many examples
of such heroes. Is not this a good enough reason to keep this classic?Third day of the third Spring month, Second year of the Tang Zhen-
guan reign (628). Preface compiled by Li Jing, Yaoshi.^94Qing bibliographers were quick to note the numerous errors and anachro-
nisms that proved the preface was spurious. For example, the Taihe reign
period was assigned to the wrong emperor, and the Indian translator Pramiti