《道德真經集注釋音》

This passage provides an explanatory note and evaluation of a commentary edition of the Daode Jing, comprising two main sections:

First, it offers phonetic annotations for uncommon characters, such as:

• "櫰" is pronounced with the "ér yáng qiè" method (an ancient phonetic notation system analogous to pinyin)
• "蹷" is read as "jū yuè qiè"
• "昩" shares the same pronunciation as "mèi"

These serve as pronunciation guides to assist readers in proper scriptural recitation.

The second section presents a postscript discussing:

1. The Laozi text has circulated for ages with profound and subtle meanings not easily grasped. Only those who truly comprehend the principles of Dao-De and the nature of life (core Daoist philosophical concepts) can fathom its depths.

2. Laozi never intentionally spoke obscurely to confuse people. The supreme Dao is indeed mysteriously ineffable—even sages struggle to articulate it fully. As Daoist teachings gradually declined, without basic explanations, later generations would be left bewildered.

3. This Dao is boundless: vast enough to fill heaven and earth, yet present in the minutest details. In its mystical aspect, it is the gateway to all wonders; concretely applied, it can regulate households, govern states, and bring peace to the world.

4. Historically, three major commentaries stand out: Heshang Gong (Han Dynasty recluse), Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, and Wang Bi (Three Kingdoms period metaphysician). While each makes different interpretive choices, all capture the fundamental essence of the Great Dao.

5. Wang Pang (son of Wang Anshi) in the Song Dynasty made significant contributions to Dao-De and life-nature studies. His independent commentary elucidates the Daode Jing's eighty-one chapters with particular clarity. Conventional scholars often mistakenly dismiss the text as empty nihilism, yet the supreme truth of Dao is precisely what Laozi and these commentators reveal—far beyond shallow academic comprehension.

(Note: The "qiè" method refers to fanqie, an ancient Chinese phonetic system using two characters to indicate pronunciation; "Dao-De and life-nature" denotes core Daoist theories about cosmic origins and life essence.)

This passage constitutes the preface written by Liang Jiong for the Collected Commentaries and Pronunciation Guide to the Authentic Scripture of Dao and Virtue. The general meaning is:

Prefect Zhang (Lord Zhang) possessed profound understanding of the philosophical principles concerning Dao, De (virtue), and the essence of life. Through his literary works, he educated the world and frequently instructed numerous students in classical learning. He often worried that those studying the scriptures might fail to truly comprehend the "Dao," and thus commanded scholars at the official academy (huáng shè) to compile a book by referencing the four major schools of thought, making no additions or deletions, in order to disseminate it widely.

The purpose of this endeavor was to help seekers of learning realize that the writings of Laozi (the texts of the Lao school) are not baseless or absurd words. By delving deeply into their subtleties, one can attain the highest truth. The profound insights within can be applied to self-cultivation and nurturing one's nature, while the remaining parts, even if seemingly superficial, can be used to govern the nation and bring order to the world. How can such learning be considered merely a minor supplement?

I, Liang Jiong, was fortunate to receive his teachings and personally benefit from his influence. Therefore, I respectfully composed this preface to record the time, hoping to prevent this transmission from being lost. Dated the first day of the tenth month in the first year of the Yuanfu era (1098), written with reverence by Liang Jiong, former military judge of Yingzhou.

Notes:

1. "The principles of Dao, De, and the essence of life" refer to the Daoist philosophical theories concerning the Dao, virtue, and the nature of existence.

2. "The writings of Laozi" refers to the Dao De Jing, as Laozi's surname was Li, given name Er, and courtesy name Dan, and he was honored as "Laozi."

3. "Yuanfu" was the era name of Emperor Zhezong of the Song dynasty; the first year of Yuanfu corresponds to 1098 CE.