佛祖統紀 26.58

26.58

The Master’s deeds are truly numerous. Scholars are rarely able to bring out their inner meaning, leaving the world without a clear understanding of the virtue of past worthies. I secretly lament this. Reading the *Biographies of Eminent Monks*, the *Records of the Lotus Society*, and the new and old records of Jiujiang, I most admire six incidents of the Master, which I consider worthy of encouragement. I therefore cite and explain them, setting them forth in the Shadow Hall to demonstrate them to later generations. Lu Xiujing was of another teaching, yet when speaking with him, the Master invariably crossed the creek; this shows he did not reject words because of the person. Tao Yuanming was addicted to wine, yet he invited him to enter the society; this shows he disregarded trivial details and chose his open-mindedness. The eminent monk Buddhabhadra was expelled because of divergent doctrines, yet the Master extended his renown; this shows he valued those possessing the Way and corrected the envy toward the worthy. Xie Lingyun was rejected because his mind was too dissipated, and he indeed ended up executed; this shows the Master understood his capacity and foresaw his end. When Lu Xun intended to rebel, the Master grasped his hand and recalled their old friendship; this shows his confidence in righteousness. When Huan Xuan brandished his authority, the Master resisted and did not submit; this shows his firmness in moral integrity. In the disposition of ordinary people, there is none who does not fear authority and compromise, forget righteousness to avoid suspicion, crave renown while blinding himself to reality, flatter power while bullying the solitary, or varnish conduct while abhorring involvement, approving of himself while condemning others. Who possessing the Way to serve as a teacher of the world would be willing to admit a follower of other teachings? Who possessing virtue to be revered by others would be willing to associate with those from the land of drunken stupor? Who would humble his own learning and show courtesy to an expelled guest, recommending him as a great worthy? Who would possess early insight into character to reject a figure of renowned fame, foreseeing that he would not meet a good end? Who would not avoid calamity and danger, maintaining friendship with old acquaintances, and showing trust in righteousness? Who would not fear military might, defying usurpation and rebellion, and preserving his integrity? This is truly why the Master’s moral stature was so vast and unmatched by men of past or present! As for his sustaining the supreme teaching, expanding the holy Way, and bestowing abundance between heaven and men, it is beyond what I can fully express. Was he a sage? Was he a worthy? How magnificent! The Great Earth sighs forth breath, and the six directions generate wind—such is the Master’s great fame. Soaring like a dragon and hovering like a phoenix, bowing to Chaofu and Xu You—such is the Master’s lofty Way. The autumn colors of the four seas with a divine mountain towering in the center—such is the Master’s demeanor. White clouds and vermilion valleys, jade trees and jasper grass—such is the Master’s dwelling. Born after the Master, though I admire him, I also regret it. Reverently beholding his surviving image, my thoughts roam far away. I wish to write my humble text upon the hall’s wall. The Great Song dynasty, Qingli era, first year [1041 CE], mid-spring. Written by the monk Qisong of Qianjin.