佛祖統紀 23

English (machine translation) 23

Language: English

23.1

Compiled by the śramaṇa Zhipan of Donghu in Siming during the Jingding era of the Song

23.2

Chronological Table of the Transmission of the Teaching, Ninth

Beiqi awakened to the import of the single mind and the three wisdoms, and transmitted it to Nanyue. Nanyue cultivated it and transmitted it to Zhizhe. Zhizhe first unfolded a complete teaching by means of the five periods and eight teachings, tracing the source to the wonder of the root and trace in the Lotus. Having developed this understanding, he necessarily established its practice; thereupon, he spoke of what was practiced within his own mind to reveal the realization of the single mind and the three wisdoms. It was recorded in writing to be used as a mind-seal to teach later generations. From Beiqi, who looked up to Nāgārjuna above, down to Fazhi below, there were seventeen generations. I have thus composed the Chronological Table of the Transmission of the Teaching.

23.4

Liang

23.5

Emperor Wu (Xiao Yan received the abdication of Qi and established his capital at Jiankang, styled the Southern Dynasty)

23.6

Tianjian, 1st year (renchen, continuing for 18 years)
Putong, 1st year (gengzi, continuing for 7 years)
Datong, 1st year (dingwei, continuing for 8 years)
Datong, 1st year (dingmao, continuing for 12 years). During the Datong era, the Second Patriarch, Chan Master Wen, in Henan under the Northern Dynasty, expounded the three contemplations for Chan Master Si; this corresponded to the Tianping era of Emperor Xiaojing of the Eastern Wei.
Taiqing, 1st year (dingmao, continuing for 3 years)

23.7

Emperor Jianwen (Gang, the third son of Emperor Wu)

23.8

Tianbao, 1st year (gengwu, continuing for 2 years)

23.9

Emperor Yuan (Yi, the seventh son of Emperor Wu)

23.10

Chengsheng, 1st year (renshen, continuing for 3 years)

23.11

Emperor Jing (Fangzhi, the ninth son of Emperor Yuan)

23.12

Shaotai, 1st year (yihai)
Taiping, 1st year (bingzi)

23.13

Chen

23.14

Emperor Wu (Chen Baxian received the abdication of Liang and established his capital at Jiankang)

23.15

Yongding, 1st year (dingchou, continuing for 3 years)

23.16

Emperor Wen (Qian, son of Emperor Wu's elder brother, the Prince of Shixing)

23.17

Tianjia, 1st year (gengchen, continuing for 6 years). The Third Patriarch, Chan Master Si, on Mount Dasu in Guangzhou under the Northern Dynasty, expounded the four peaceful and joyful practices for Chan Master Yi and revealed the bodhimaṇḍa of Samantabhadra; this corresponded to the first year of Qianming under the Deposed Emperor of the Northern Qi.
Tiankang, 1st year (bingxu)

23.18

Deposed Emperor (Bozong, second son of Emperor Wen)

23.19

Guangda, 1st year (dinghai, continuing for 2 years). In the second year, Chan Master Si conferred the precepts on the Sovereign Deity of Nanyue.

23.20

Emperor Xuan (Xu, second son of the Prince of Shixing)

23.21

Dajian, 1st year (yichou, continuing for 14 years). The Fourth Patriarch, Chan Master Yi, at Waguan Monastery in Jinling, expounded the title of the Lotus Sūtra for Grand Master of Ceremonies Equal to the Three Excellencies Shen Junli, Vice Director Xu Ling, and others; during one summer retreat, he explained its great meaning. Jingmao of Baima and others all faced north to receive his instruction. From then on, he regularly expounded the Mahāprajñāpāramitā-śāstra, expounded the Gradual Dhyāna Gate, and explained the Six Wondrous Gates for Minister Mao Xi.
During the Dajian era, Chan Master Si of Nanyue expounded the peaceful and joyful practices of the Lotus for Dharma Master Xuanguang from the Eastern Sea, who returned to his state to propagate the teaching, marking the beginning of the transmission of the teaching to the Eastern Kingdom of Goryeo.
On the twenty-second day of the sixth month of the ninth year of Dajian, the Chan Master of Nanyue passed into tranquility.

23.22

Young Emperor (Shubao, eldest son of Emperor Xuan)

23.23

Zhide, 1st year (guimao, continuing for 4 years).
In the third year of Zhide, an imperial decree summoned Chan Master Yi of Waguan to proceed to the Taiji Hall to expound the title of the Mahāprajñāpāramitā-śāstra and the title of the Renwang Bore Jing; he then returned to Lingyao Monastery to deliver the lectures. At that time, the hundred seats were arranged on the left, and the five ranks of nobility were arranged on the right. Huikuang and Huibian were both commanded by imperial decree to pose difficult questions. The Son of Heaven presided over the banquet to listen to the Dharma, and all the hundred officials showed utmost respect.
In the fourth year of Zhide, an imperial decree welcomed Chan Master Yi to reside at Guangzhai Monastery. The Emperor visited the monastery to hear the lecture on the Renwang [Jing] and personally made three prostrations.
Zhenming, 1st year (dingwei, continuing for 3 years). Chan Master Yi expounded the Lotus Sūtra at Guangzhai; Zhāng'ān attended and listened.

23.24

Sui

23.25

Emperor Wen (Yang Jian, minister to Emperor Jing of Zhou, received the abdication and established his capital at Chang'an)

23.26

Kaihuang, 10th year (gengxu; in this year Chen fell and [Sui] began to be termed the orthodox lineage, continuing for 21 years).
In the eleventh year of Kaihuang, the Prince of Jin, who was Commander-in-Chief of Yangzhou, welcomed Chan Master Yi to the Great Hall, held a vegetarian feast for a thousand monks, and received the bodhisattva precepts. The Master named the Prince of Jin 'Prince Zongchi' (Dhāraṇī Prince), and [the prince] presented the Master with the title 'Zhizhe' (Wise One).
In the twelfth year of Kaihuang, Chan Master Zhizhe conferred the precepts on Lord Guan and his son at Mount Yuquan in Dangyang, Jingzhou.
In the thirteenth year of Kaihuang, Chan Master Zhizhe expounded the Profound Meaning of the Lotus at Yuquan; Zhāng'ān attended and listened.
In the fourteenth year of Kaihuang, Chan Master Zhizhe expounded the Mohe zhiguan at Yuquan; Zhāng'ān attended and listened. In this year, passing through Yueyang, he conferred the Mahāyāna precepts on Regional Inspector Wang Xuanwu, and expounded the Golden Light Sūtra for the scholar Tanjie and others.
In the seventh month of the fifteenth year of Kaihuang, Chan Master Zhizhe arrived at Chanzhong Monastery in Yangzhou and presented his authored Subcommentary on the Meaning of the Vimalakīrti-nirdeśa to the Prince of Jin. In the ninth month, he took his leave and returned to Tiantai.
In the ninth month of the seventeenth year of Kaihuang, Chan Master Zhizhe orally transmitted the Treatise on Contemplating the Mind to his disciples at Folong on Tiantai. In the eleventh month, at Shicheng Monastery, he expounded for his disciples the ten suchnesses, the four kinds of non-arising, the ten dharma realms, the three contemplations, the four immeasurables, the four siddhāntas, the four noble truths, the twelve links of dependent origination, and the six pāramitās, teaching each dharma gate one by one. On the twenty-fourth day of that month, he passed into tranquility in front of the stone Maitreya Buddha statue at Shicheng.
Renshou, 1st year (xinyou, continuing for 4 years)

23.27

Emperor Yang (Guang, the second son of Emperor Wen)

23.28

Daye, 1st year (yichou, continuing for 12 years)

23.29

Emperor Gong (son of Emperor Yang of Sui)

23.30

Yining, 1st year (dingchou, lasting for 1 year).
The Fifth Patriarch, Chan Master Zhāng'ān, expounded the Essentials of Cessation and Contemplation for Chan Master Fahua Wei at Guoqing Monastery on Mount Tiantai.

23.31

Tang

23.32

Emperor Gaozu (Li Yuan received the abdication of Sui and established his capital at Chang'an)

23.33

Wude, 1st year (wuyin, continuing for 9 years)

23.34

Emperor Taizong (Shimin, the second son of Gaozu)

23.35

Zhenguan, 1st year (dinghai, continuing for 23 years).
On the seventh day of the eighth month of the sixth year of Zhenguan, Chan Master Zhāng'ān passed into tranquility at Guoqing Monastery.
In the twentieth year of Zhenguan, Chan Master Fahua Wei was summoned and conferred the title of Grand Master of the Palace with Plain Ribbon and one of the Four Great Imperial Escort Masters.

23.36

Emperor Gaozong (Zhi, the ninth son of Taizong)

23.37

Yonghui, 1st year (gengxu, continuing for 6 years).
In the sixth year of Yonghui, Chan Master Tiangong Wei was summoned and conferred the title of Grand Master of the Palace with Plain Ribbon and one of the Four Great Imperial Escort Masters, holding the same rank as Fahua [Wei].
Xianqing, 1st year (bingchen, continuing for 5 years)
Longshuo, 1st year (xinyou, continuing for 3 years)
Linde, 1st year (jiazi, continuing for 2 years)
Qianfeng, 1st year (bingyin, continuing for 2 years)
Zongzhang, 1st year (wuchen, continuing for 2 years)
Xianheng, 1st year (gengwu, continuing for 4 years)
Shangyuan, 1st year (jiaxu, continuing for 2 years)
Yifeng, 1st year (bingzi, continuing for 3 years)
Tiaolu, 1st year (jimao)
Yonglong, 1st year (gengchen).
On the twenty-eighth day of the eleventh month, Chan Master Fahua passed into tranquility.
Kaiyao, 1st year (xinsi)
Yongchun, 1st year (renwu)
Hongdao, 1st year (guiwei)

23.38

Empress Zetian the Great (Wu clan, empress of Gaozong; deposed the Crown Prince to become King of Luling and assumed rule from the throne)

23.39

First year of Guangzhai (jiashan).
First year of Chuigong (yiyou, lasting four years).
First year of Yongchang (jichou).
First year of Zaichu (gengyin, two years).
First year of Ruyi (renchen, lasting two years).
In the second year of Ruyi, the Seventh Patriarch, Chan Master Tiangong, expounded cessation and contemplation for Chan Master Zuoxi Lang at Tiangong in Dongyang.
First year of Yanzai (jiawu).
First year of Zhengsheng (yiwei).
First year of Wansuitongtian (bingshen).
First year of Shengong (dingyou).
First year of Shengli (wuxu, lasting two years).
First year of Jiushi (gengzi).
First year of Chang'an (xinchou, lasting four years).

23.40

Zhongzong (Xian, the seventh son of Gaozong; his mother, Empress Wu, once deposed him as Prince of Luling).

23.41

First year of Shenlong (yisi, lasting two years).
First year of Jinglong (dingwei, lasting three years).

23.42

Ruizong (Dan, the eighth son of Gaozong).

23.43

First year of Jingyun (gengxu, lasting two years).
First year of Xiantian (renzi).

23.44

Xuanzong (Longji, the third son of Ruizong).

23.45

First year of Kaiyuan (guichou, lasting twenty-nine years).
In the eighteenth year of Kaiyuan, the Eighth Patriarch, Chan Master Zuoxi, expounded cessation and contemplation for Chan Master Jingxi Ran at Zuoxi in Dongyang. In this year, Pŏmyung and others of Silla transmitted the teachings and returned to their country.
First year of Tianbao (renwu, lasting fourteen years). On the nineteenth day of the ninth month in the thirteenth year of Tianbao, Chan Master Zuoxi manifested nirvāṇa.

23.46

Suzong (Heng, the third son of Xuanzong).

23.47

First year of Zhide (bingshen, lasting two years).
First year of Qianyuan (wuxu, lasting two years).
First year of Shangyuan (gengzi, lasting two years).
First year of Baoying (renyin).

23.48

Daizong (Yu, the eldest son of Suzong).

23.49

First year of Guangde (guimao, lasting two years).
First year of Yongtai (yisi).
First year of Dali (bingwu, lasting fourteen years).
During Dali, the Ninth Patriarch, Chan Master Jingxi, expounded cessation and contemplation for Dharma Master Sui at Folong on Mount Tiantai.

23.50

Dezong (Shi, the eldest son of Daizong).

23.51

First year of Jianzhong (gengshen, lasting four years).
On the fifth day of the second month in the third year of Jianzhong, Chan Master Jingxi manifested nirvāṇa at Folong.
First year of Xingyuan (jiazi).
First year of Zhenyuan (yichou, lasting twenty-one years).
During Zhenyuan, the Tenth Patriarch, Dharma Master Sui, expounded cessation and contemplation for Dharma Master Xiu at Guoqing.

23.52

Shunzong (Song, the eldest son of Dezong).

23.53

First year of Yongzhen.
Dharma Master Sui expounded cessation and contemplation for Saichō of Japan at Guoqing. [Saichō] copied all the treatises and commentaries of the tradition to return home, marking the beginning of the transmission of the teachings to Japan.

23.54

Xianzong (Chun, the eldest son of Shunzong).

23.55

First year of Yuanhe (bingxu, lasting fifteen years).

23.56

Muzong (Heng, the third son of Xianzong).

23.57

First year of Changqing (xinchou, lasting four years).

23.58

Jingzong (Zhan, the eldest son of Muzong).

23.59

First year of Baoli (yisi, lasting two years).

23.60

Wenzong (Ang, the second son of Muzong).

23.61

First year of Dahe (dingwei, lasting nine years).
During Dahe, the Eleventh Patriarch, Dharma Master Xiu, expounded cessation and contemplation for Dharma Master Wai at Chanlin.
First year of Kaicheng (bingchen, lasting five years).

23.62

Wuzong (Yan, the fifth son of Muzong).

23.63

First year of Huichang (xinyou, lasting six years).
In the sixth year of Huichang, an edict ordered the destruction of Buddhist monasteries throughout the realm and the defrocking of monks and nuns.

23.64

Xuanzong (Chen, the thirteenth son of Xianzong. Wuzong wished to harm him, so he fled the danger to become a śramaṇa, relying on Master Qi'an. When Wuzong died, the ministers welcomed him into the capital, and he acceded to the imperial throne).

23.65

First year of Dazhong (dingmao, lasting thirteen years). An edict ordered the restoration of the monasteries that had been abolished during Huichang.

23.66

Yizong (Cui, the eldest son of Xuanzong).

23.67

First year of Xiantong (gengchen, lasting fourteen years).

23.68

Xizong (Xi, the fifth son of Yizong).

23.69

First year of Qianfu (jiawu, lasting six years).
During Qianfu, the Twelfth Patriarch, Dharma Master Wai, expounded cessation and contemplation for Dharma Master Xiu at Guoqing.
First year of Guangming (gengzi).
First year of Zhonghe (xinchou, lasting four years).
First year of Guangqi (yisi, lasting three years).
First year of Wende (wushen).

23.70

Zhaozong (Ye, the seventh son of Yizong).

23.71

First year of Longji (jiyou).
The Twelfth Patriarch, Dharma Master Xiu, expounded the Dharma-gate of cessation and contemplation for Dharma Master Song at Guoqing.
First year of Dashun (gengxu, lasting two years).
First year of Jingfu (renzi, lasting three years).
First year of Qianning (jiayin, lasting four years).
First year of Guanghua (wuwu, lasting three years).
First year of Tianfu (xinyou, lasting four years).

23.72

Jingzong (Zhu, the ninth son of Zhaozong).

23.73

First year of Tianyou (jiazi, lasting three years).

23.74

Liang (Five Dynasties).

23.75

Taizu (Zhu Wen; he accepted the abdication of the Tang and made Luoyang his capital).

23.76

First year of Kaiping (dingmao, lasting four years).
First year of Qianhua (xinwei, lasting two years).

23.77

Last Emperor (Tian, the fourth son of Taizu).

23.78

Third year of Qianhua (guiyou, lasting two years).
First year of Zhenming (yihai, lasting six years).
First year of Longde (xinwei, lasting two years).

23.79

Tang.

23.80

Zhuangzong (Li Cunxu; he crushed Liang, ascended the throne, and made Luoyang his capital).

23.81

First year of Tongguang (guimei, lasting three years).

23.82

Mingzong (Dan, originally of the Qutu tribe; granted the surname Li, he was a brother to Zhuangzong).

23.83

First year of Tiancheng (bingxu, lasting four years).
First year of Changxing (gengyin, lasting four years).

23.84

Last Emperor (Congke, originally surnamed Wang; adopted son of Mingzong).

23.85

First year of Qingtai (jiawu, lasting two years).

23.86

Jin.

23.87

Gaozu (Shi Jingtang; he destroyed Tang, ascended the throne, and made Bian his capital).

23.88

First year of Tianfu (bingshen, lasting six years).
During Tianfu, the Fourteenth Patriarch, Dharma Master Song, expounded cessation and contemplation for Dharma Master Ji at Guoqing.

23.89

Shaodi (Chonggui, nephew of Gaozu).

23.90

Seventh year of Tianfu (renyin, lasting two years).
First year of Kaiyun (jiachen, lasting three years).

23.91

Han.

23.92

Gaozu (Liu Zhiyuan. Jin's Shaodi was captured by the Khitan. The Central Plains having no ruler, he then ascended the throne in Jinyang, continuing to use Jin's era name; he made Bian his capital).

23.93

Twelfth year of Tianfu (dingwei).

23.94

Yindi (Chengyou, nephew of Gaozu).

23.95

First year of Qianyou (wushen, lasting three years).

23.96

Zhou.

23.97

Taizu (Guo Wei; he accepted the abdication of Han and made Bian his capital).

23.98

First year of Guangshun (xinhai, lasting three years).

23.99

Shizong (Rong, nephew of Taizu’s empress Lady Chai, ascended the imperial throne upon receiving the testamentary decree).

23.100

First year of Xiande (jiayin, lasting five years).

23.101

Gongdi (Chongxun, son of Shizong).

23.102

Sixth year of Xiande (jiwei).

23.103

Song

23.104

Taizu (received the abdication of the Zhou and established the capital at Bianjing).

23.105

First year of Jianlong (gengshen, lasting three years).
Qian Chu, King of Wuyue, dispatched envoys to Goryeo and Japan to seek missing commentaries and treatises of the doctrinal vehicle.
Second year of Jianlong: The state of Goryeo dispatched the śramaṇa Chegwan carrying Tiantai treatises and commentaries to Luoxi.
First year of Qiande (guihai, lasting five years).
The fifteenth patriarch, Dharma Master Ji of Luoxi, expounded the Dharma gate of cessation and contemplation (śamatha-vipaśyanā) for Dharma Master Tong.
First year of Kaibao (wuchen, lasting eight years).

23.106

Taizong

23.107

First year of Taiping Xingguo (bingzi, lasting eight years).
Fourth year of Taiping Xingguo: The sixteenth patriarch, Dharma Master Tong of Baoyun, expounded cessation and contemplation and the various Mahāyāna dharmas for Dharma Master Li of Siming.
First year of Yongxi (jiashen, lasting four years). On the fourth day of the eleventh month in the fourth year of Yongxi, Dharma Master Luoxi manifested quiescence.
First year of Duangong (wuzi, lasting two years).
On the twenty-first day of the tenth month, Dharma Master Baoyun manifested quiescence.
First year of Chunhua (gengyin, lasting five years).
First year of Zhidao (yiwei, lasting three years).

23.108

Zhenzong

23.109

First year of Xianping (wuxu, lasting six years).
Sixth year of Xianping: The seventeenth patriarch, Dharma Master Fazhi, at Bao'en in Nanhu, answered Genshin of Japan, who had queried twenty-seven items.
First year of Jingde (jiachen, lasting four years): He composed the *Zhiyao chao*, raising twenty questions on ‘distinct principle according with conditions’ to refute Jiqi’s error of pointing to confusion.
Fourth year of Jingde: He dispatched Benru carrying the *Shoyi shu* with two hundred questions to present to Master Zhao of Qiantang, in order to rectify the error of not establishing contemplation of mind in the *Guangming xuan*.
First year of Dazhong Xiangfu (wushen, lasting nine years).
Third year of Dazhong Xiangfu: Bao'en was bestowed a revised placard reading ‘Yanqing.’ Together with Master Yiwen, he composed two texts of admonition and vows, making it a place for perpetual lecturing on the Tiantai school and teaching.
Seventh year of Dazhong Xiangfu: He composed the *Guanjing rongxin jie*.
First year of Tianxi (dingsi, lasting five years): Together with ten monks, he practiced the Lotus Repentance. Vowing to complete three years and then burn his body as an offering to the Dharma, he was dissuaded by public and private appeals and could not fulfill his wish. He composed the *Xiaofu sanyong* to refute the errors of the *Chanyi chao* by Gushan.
Fourth year of Tianxi: The imperial son-in-law Li Zunxu memorialized the throne to bestow [the title] Great Master Fazhi and issued an edict commanding him to abide in the world to propagate the teachings, not permitting him to cast off his body.
Fifth year of Tianxi: The sovereign dispatched the palace attendant Yu Yuanqing with an imperial edict to go to the monastery and conduct the Lotus Repentance for three days. [The master] composed the essential points of cultivating repentance to respond to the sacred intention. In this year, he completed both the *Guanyin biexing xuanji* and the *Guanjing miaozong chao*.
First year of Qianxing (renxu).

23.110

Renzong

23.111

First year of Tiansheng (guihai, lasting nine years): He completed the composition of the *Guangming xuyi ji*.
Third year of Tiansheng: Prior to this, at the beginning of Tianxi, an edict ordered the empire to establish ponds for releasing living beings. The master then began releasing fish and birds as an act of liberating life on the Buddha's birthday, personally composing an essay on releasing life. In this year, the commandery prefect Zeng Hui reported this matter to the court. An imperial decree ordered Bureau of Military Affairs Official Liu Jun to compose an inscription on stone to respectfully proclaim the imperial transformation.
Fifth year of Tiansheng: He composed the *Guangming wenju ji*. Later, Guangzhi continued with the chapter on praising the Buddha.
Sixth year of Tiansheng, New Year’s Day of the first month: He established seven days of the Repentance of the [Golden] Light as the appointed period for passing into quiescence. Reaching the fifth day, he sat cross-legged, expounded the Dharma, chanted the Buddha's name, and transformed. During the cremation (jhāpita), extraordinary fragrance was abundant, the relics (śarīra) were innumerable, and his tongue remained intact, like a red lotus blossom.
First year of Mingdao (renshen, lasting two years). In the seventh month of the second year of Mingdao, his sacred remains were enshrined in a stūpa erected at Chongfa in Nancheng.

23.112

Fozu tongji, Fascicle Twenty-three (End).

Linked texts (1)

佛祖統紀 — 志磐, Classical Chinese