佛祖統紀 37.77

37.77

In the first year of Zhenming, Chan Master [Zhi]yi lectured on the Lotus Sūtra at Guangzhai Monastery; at that time, Zhāng'ān attended the lecture. Minister of the Ministry of Official Communications Xu Xiaoke was fond of giving alms and did not escape cold and hunger. The Last Ruler decreed that the taxes of the Shitou Ford be granted to him. Xiaoke used them entirely to host vegetarian feasts and copy sūtras. Earlier, when living in Qiantang, he discussed Buddhist scriptures with monks and thus mastered the Sanlun. In the morning he lectured on the Lotus Sūtra, and in the evening he lectured on the ritual classics and traditions; those receiving instruction from him regularly numbered several hundred. He ate vegetarian food, maintained permanent fasting, and upheld the bodhisattva precepts. After the fall of Chen, he entered Chang'an during an epidemic. Emperor Wen of Sui, hearing of his reputation and conduct, summoned him to lecture on the Vajracchedikā Prajñāpāramitā, and both high and low revered and praised him. Near death, he sat upright and recited the Buddha's name. When Yao Cha finished reading the Tripiṭaka, he sat facing west daily in right mindfulness, saying, "All things are empty and tranquil." After the fall of the Chen, he entered the Sui and died in the Eastern Capital. His body remained soft and his complexion looked as if he were alive; his posthumous instructions ordered burial in a thin pine-board coffin.