佛祖統紀 8.17

8.17

The thirteenth patriarch, the Venerable of Wondrous Exposition, Yuanxiu, was a native of Tiantai. He relied on Master Wai of Guoqing to study the *Zhiguan*, fathoming its principles. He was marvelous at lecturing and preaching, never wavering in mind whether the assembly of students was large or small. One day, when he ascended the seat, the assembly happened to be small; ten extraordinary monks entered from outside, their deportment inspiring. Having paid their respects, they sat at the end of the rows; when the lecture dispersed, they again made inquiries and then departed. The Master sent an attendant to invite them back; they all leaped into the air, raised their hands, smiled in thanks, and departed. The Master lived during the reigns of Xizong and Zhaozong, when the realm was in chaos; students of the doctrine suddenly gathered and suddenly scattered, so those who attained the practice of concentration and wisdom were rare. Only Qingsong and Changcao attended him for a long time, penetrating everything without omission. Master Cao transmitted to Yicong, Cong transmitted to Dechou, and Chou transmitted to Huiyun and Xiuya, all of whom had renown through successive generations.