佛祖統紀 10.38

10.38

Chan Master Dayi was of the Xu clan of Xiaoshan. At the age of seven, he was taught the canonical scriptures and commentaries, reciting several thousand words a day. At the age of twelve, he entered the Way at Lingyin Temple in Shanyin. When Emperor Zhongzong ascended the throne, he extended broad grace to ordain people; [Dayi] took the test reciting the Lotus Sūtra and ranked first among the selected. During the Kaiyuan era, because of mourning his parents, he went to Folong to read the Great Canon to increase their posthumous retribution. He then visited Zuoxi, received the calming and contemplation, and had a great awakening to the profound purport. He constantly recited the Lotus Sūtra, the Mahāparinirvāṇa Sūtra, and the greater and lesser precept codes, taking this as his regular practice. On the day of his death, the assembly heard the sounds of strings and pipes; commentators said it was the sign of the Lord of Devas welcoming him to recite sūtras.