佛祖統紀 17.29

17.29

Dharma Master Falian, styled Shizhong, called himself Zhi'an, and was a native of Xiangshan in Siming. In his youth he studied diligently, visiting every prominent lecture seat of the time without exception. In his later years he went to Nanhu to serve Yuanbian, inquiring morning and evening, for more than six years as if it were a single day; his past doubts and obscurities were completely resolved. He first presided over Bianli, and moved successively to Guangyan, Yongming, and Wuzhen. He received people with compassion and managed affairs with forbearance. If someone asked about everyday matters, he conversed tirelessly; but if questioned about the Buddha Dharma, he remained silent without answering. When someone understood his intention, burning incense and standing with hands clasped, posing questions with humble words, only then would he explain in detail according to the questions, exhausting every principle. His reverence for the Dharma and his preservation of the teacher's dignity were like this.