how to make gauss filtered image with Illustrator

This post is just for me.
Using Illustrator, I could make the gauss filtered view of an image.
1. prepare two identical pictures on the canvas.
2. make a template shape (e.g., a circle).
3. put shade on the template shape.
4. set the position of the template in order to cut the original image.
5. select "object" and "clipping mask" with activating the template and the image.
6. put the filtered image onto the original image.