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The *Yijin Jing* (Muscle Change Classic) and the *Xisui Jing* (Marrow Washing Classic) are not writings of the Central Plains, but rather the profound truths from the West. Without the direct transmission from the Patriarch, how could I have known them? And how could I translate them on my own?!

My Ancestor manifested great compassion, traveling from the West to the East, enduring wind and dew, experiencing countless seasons of heat and cold; sailing seas and climbing mountains, encountering numerous dangers and obstacles. Was this done out of a love for labor?

It was because he grieved that the Great Dao had many branches, causing people to drift further away from the source as they diverged; fearing that the lineage would be cut off, leading to the submersion of wisdom eyes. Observing scholars of all sects, they all pursued trivial details while forgetting the root, often becoming stuck within their specific teachings. Who would follow the current to trace its source? Suddenly, amidst the dawn clouds, white light illuminated the sky. He knew there were vessels capable of bearing the Dao, worthy of this great responsibility. This is the great meaning behind the Patriarch's journey to the East!

Upon first arriving at Dunhuang in Shaanxi, he left his alms bowl in the temple. Subsequently, he went to Shaolin Temple in the Central Plains, where he sat facing the wall in meditation for nine years. This was not through contemplation of mind and breath, nor through visualization practices. It was simply because the conditions were not yet ripe, so he remained in quiet sitting for a long time, waiting for those with wisdom to seek him out. When the Patriarch demonstrated the "First Meaning" (the ultimate truth) to others, most listeners were stubbornly attached to their old habits and failed to comprehend. After repeated requests, I—who am I?—was fortunate to approach the Sage, receiving personal instruction. I suddenly transcended to the supreme state, obtaining the orthodox transmission and awakening, thereby acquiring the two volumes: *Yijin Jing* and *Xisui Jing*.

The *Xisui Jing* has profound principles; its subtlety lacks a foundation for beginners, making it difficult for novices to understand and hard to achieve its effects. Thus, it represents the final consummation. Upon completion of its practice, one can become invisible or visible, pierce metal and stone, shed the marrow to achieve perfect penetration, and possess a void-like, agile vitality. One can condense into form or disperse into wind. However, this cannot be achieved overnight.

The *Yijin Jing* has simpler principles, providing a clear entry point, making it easy for beginners to understand and quick to yield results. It serves as the initial stage for building the foundation. Therefore, only after the work of *Yijin Jing* is complete can one proceed to practice *Xisui Jing* based on it.

Having received the master's transmission, I practiced *Yijin Jing* and saw results. I hid the original volume of *Yijin Jing* within the walls of Shaolin Temple, awaiting someone with affinity to find it. Only the volume of *Xisui Jing* was attached to the robe and bowl. I traveled far and wide like cloud and water. Later, when my karmic merit and practice reached a certain level, I indeed obtained miraculous responses. I dared not casually tell others, yet I feared that over time it might be lost, betraying the Patriarch's intention in coming from the West. Thus, without presuming upon my own limitations, I translated it into Chinese, seeking only not to deviate from the scripture's meaning, daring not to embellish the sentences. Based on the scripture, I provide a detailed translation below, and place this preface before it, awaiting the wise to savor and gain insight. (Respectfully Prefaced by Shi Huike)