佛祖統紀 36.25

36.25

In the first year of the Yongchang era, the Western Indian monk Śrīmitra arrived in Jiankang. Prime Minister Wang Dao met him and said, 'He is one of our kind.' The eminent notables of the day all visited his gate to form friendships with him. Whenever he saw Wang Dao, he would loosen his sash and be at ease; but when Minister of the Masters of Writing Bian Hu arrived (hu is pronounced kun), he would assume a solemn countenance and be reverently composed. When someone asked the reason, he replied, 'Duke Wang expects others to meet him in uninhibited style, whereas Master Bian measures things by regulations and standards; it is only proper that I comport myself accordingly.' The Minister of Justice Huan Yi wished to compose a character appraisal of Mitra. Mitra said, 'Śrīmitra may be called lofty and bright.' Huan Yi sighed in utter admiration, considering that this reached the utmost limits of characterization. Mitra was skilled in reciting mantras, which proved efficacious wherever he went. At that time he was known as the High Seat Dharma Master. He translated three works of scripture, including the Guanding jing.