註華嚴經題法界觀門頌 1.6

1.6

The Master was originally a man of the capital. At first, hearing the great Avataṃsaka Sūtra, he thoroughly penetrated its profound mysteries; later, passing through the Chan groves of the various patriarchs, he clearly illuminated the lineage's tenets. In the sixth year of Yuanfeng, the guisi year (1083), under Emperor Shenzong, he ceased his investigation and withdrew to Mount Song. Soon after, Upāsaka Wujin heard of the Master's virtue, and in the wuchen year of the Yuanyou era (1088), he reverently led a group of worthy figures to invite the Master into the capital, requesting him to lecture on this contemplation. To benefit students of both Chan and doctrinal teachings, he composed the Tongxuan ji in three fascicles, dissecting the text and analyzing the meaning, reflecting upon the ancients and eclipsing contemporaries. He uttered gāthās on the seven-character sūtra title and thirty contemplation gates, summarizing the key essentials of the sūtra and contemplation, revealing the eyes of the Chan gate. Tianjue and the host of worthies all unfolded the scrolls and listened to him from time to time, marveling greatly at his eloquence. Thereupon they drew up an official document, strongly pressing him to come out into the world and reside at the great monastery of Yimen in Kaifeng. Furthermore, a memorial was submitted specially conferring the fine title of Master Guangzhi. Later, he resided at the Baoben Chan Monastery, where he ended his days.