Library

My nature is dull, and I have not been able to acquire much from teachers. However, because of my dullness, I am even less aware of my own dullness. Every time I study the *Bencao* (Materia Medica), the process is extremely arduous; occasionally I gain some insights, which I record on scrap paper. This is merely my own minor contribution, yet it gradually attracted attention from others seeking knowledge. In the year Gengwu, gentlemen from Wulin gathered at my residence, citing the two major works of Zhang Zhongjing and the profound secrets of the *Ling Shu* and *Su Wen*, expecting me alone to elucidate them. I declined, saying I was incapable, yet I did not wish to keep my lineage secret. Thus, I began planning for the completion of this book. From Bingyin to Gengwu, only two-tenths were completed; from Gengwu to Guiyou, only three-tenths were added. Due to frequent oral explanations, progress nearly stalled. Happening upon a spring breeze that stirred my spirit, I severed ties with worldly distractions and devoted myself entirely to writing. From Bingyin to Guiwei, spanning nearly eighteen years, this book was finally completed. Originally divided into four categories: [Missing Character], He (Verification), Yan (Extension), and Duan (Judgment), hence the title *Chengya*. "Shu Si Wei Cheng" implies counting four as a unit, not taking the meaning of "carrying." In the following year, Jiashen, printing began. In May of Yiyi, two years later, a military mutiny occurred, forcing my family to flee. We suffered displacement and various hardships in Chu. It was not until October of Bingxu that we returned alive. With our home stripped bare, it is evident that the printing blocks had been scattered and lost. Admiring the ancient sentiment of not looking back after breaking one's cooking pot, yet cherishing my worn broom as if it were worth a thousand gold, I strove to repair the old work, managing only to complete the missing parts of [Missing Character] and He. The Yan and Duan sections were far more numerous; how could I fill the gaps? Although my original intention was to divide the four types equally, believing that [Missing Character] and He could encompass Yan and Duan, I renamed the book *Chengya Banji* (Half-Verse of Chengya). Then I thought, why should I hide half of my life's energy? Details are provided in the examples, but for now, let it be postponed. Throughout my life, I truly could not travel far with books on my back, so my lineage was scarce. Within my family, I received instruction from my late father regarding carrying firewood; among my father's peers, I inherited the heart-to-heart transmission of Wang Shaolong regarding the *Jin Gui Yao Lue* (Essential Prescriptions of the Golden Cabinet) and privately studied Chen Xiangxian's *Xue Shi Yi An* (Cases of Physician Xue); through interactions, I received guidance from Miao Zhongchun, while Li Buye and Yan Ren Gong served as models for literature and moral integrity. In my youth, I was obsessed with Chan Buddhism. From Masters Wengu and Hanshan, I obtained the Southern Ch'an lineage; from Monk Liyan, I received awakening. Figures such as Shi Lizé from Yunjian, Pan Fangru from Gulou, and Ru Jusu from my hometown were renowned scholars who came willingly, surely providing me with inspiration. Therefore, although my words may contain traces of the Daoist lineage, given my dull nature, they are likely mere groping in the dark. I intend to seek correction from scholars within the seas, even if it leads to ridicule. The gentlemen of Wulin mentioned earlier all believed that the publication of this book could serve as a lineage for others; I dare not claim this title. I simply dare not fail to acknowledge my lineage.
Written by Lu Zhiyi on the Double Ninth Day of Dinghai, at Wu Heng Ye.