佛祖統紀 9.10

9.10

Chan Master Huicheng, of the Duan clan, was a native of Liyang. Initially, he studied at the Shizhu Monastery, reciting over twenty fascicles of the Lotus, Vimalakīrti, and Suvikrāntavikramin scriptures as his daily regular practice. After receiving full ordination, he traveled to Jianye to study the Harivarman's Satyasiddhiśāstra; after a single hearing over ten years, the text and principle were almost exhausted. Just as he was about to return to his home district, he heard of the greatness of Nanyue's teaching and conversion, and immediately went to rely on him. Nanyue, considering that the Master was generating understanding based merely on text, provoked him by saying: "Your lifetime of learning cannot even warm my hands; is it not a pity to waste your efforts in vain?" Receiving the Dharma instruction, the Master was indignant, took his commentaries and treatises, and burned them all. Sitting in dhyāna with open eyes, he went from night until daybreak; this continued for five years. Nanyue ordered him to enter the Fangdeng, Avalokiteśvara, Lotus, and Pratyutpanna samādhis, experiencing and testing the various practices to dissolve former obstacles. Practicing this for three years, he attained the samādhi of understanding the languages of all sentient beings. Those who sit in dhyāna with closed eyes, although their contemplative path is clear, may lose it upon opening their eyes. Nanyue praised him, saying: "Zhiyi first manifested samādhi and later verified dhāraṇī. Huicheng has now also attained it; the practice and understanding of these two sons are indeed equal!" Subsequently, he founded the Lan Monastery in Zhijiang (a county name) in Jingzhou. The main hall lacked a large beam. Suddenly, in the sixth month, the river swelled. He dreamt that there was wood suitable for the beam; going to the river to inspect it, it was indeed so. The faithful devotee Duan Hong was the patron of the vihāra. Suddenly, his breath ceased, and he summoned the Master to the residence. Hong then awoke, saying: "At first, I was captured and brought to the king's place. I saw the Master ascend the hall and say: 'This man and I are establishing meritorious works together which are not yet completed; please pardon him.' The king arose, bowed to his feet, and granted it." The Last Ruler of the Chen heard the Master's renown and summoned him, but he resolutely refused to go. Later, he further commanded Jiang Zong to go and receive him, admonishing him: "If the Master does not consent, you need not trouble to return." The emissary wept tears like rain, entreating him forcefully to board the boat. The Master sprang into the water and stood in the middle of the river. The emissary pleaded again: "If you do not deign to go, Zong and the others will have no place to pulverize our bodies." The Master pitied his intent, and followed him to the palace. The Emperor bowed in person to request the precepts, and bestowed upon his residence the name Chanhui Monastery. Vinaya Master Chang once visited, and slept in the same room with the Master. At night, he flicked a louse to the ground. In the morning, as he was about to bid farewell, the Master said: "Last night, a dānapati was frozen, which was truly pitiable." Chang was deeply ashamed, and made it an eternal admonition. One day, the Master told his disciples: "Quickly pave the hall's steps with brick; I shall lecture on the Nirvāṇa." When the work was completed and the lecture established, it happened that the Wise One arrived from Yuquan. They discussed the profound principle together; after a long while, he entered concentration and manifested cessation.