肇論疏 2.41

2.41

The Bore wuzhi lun has three sections: the first is the treatise proper; the second is Venerable Liu's presentation of questions; the third is Master [Seng]zhao's explanatory response. Now this is the second, Venerable Liu's presentation of questions. Dharma Master [Hui]yuan of Mount Lu composed the Biography of Venerable Liu, which says: "Liu Chengzhi, whose courtesy name was Zhongsi, was a native of Pengcheng and a descendant of King Yuan of Chu of the Han dynasty. Bearing the accumulated, refined purity of successive generations and embodying the unattached mind that transcends worldly bounds, there were none of the profound discourses of the hundred schools through which he did not let his eyes wander; he meticulously studied Buddhist principles in order to exhaust their marvels. Among people of resolve such as Yin Zhongwen of Chen Commandery and Huan Xuan of Qiao Commandery, none failed to esteem and admire him. He took office in Chaisang of Xunyang to provide the means for entering the mountains. Not long afterwards, Huan Xuan went east and usurped the throne, proclaiming the era Yongsbi. When the rebellious plot began, Liu immediately ordered his wife and children to establish a home in the forests and marshes. The dukes and marquises of the Yixi era all summoned him to office, but he declined with modest words to avoid them. In the ninth year, Grand Commandant Venerable Liu [Yu], knowing that his rustic aspirations were lofty and distant, treated him with ritual respect as a figure of eminent and esteemed virtue, thus fulfilling his free mind. He lived in the mountain for twelve years, and died there." Some say: "After entering the mountains, he regarded himself as an abandoned subject of the state, so he changed his name to Yimin (Abandoned Subject)." Formerly, Dharma Master [Dao]sheng entered the Passes and studied under Master [Kumāra]jīva. Later he returned to Mount Lu, obtained the Treatise on Non-knowing, and showed it to Venerable Liu, who in turn presented it to Dharma Master [Hui]yuan. Together they investigated it thoroughly, and thereupon he sent this letter inquiring into its subtle and hidden points. Although the words and trace lie with Venerable Liu, they also represent the intention of Dharma Master [Hui]yuan.