佛祖歷代通載 1.13

1.13

佛經。暇日得以觀光三都遊覽勝概。禮五臺曼殊室利。披燕金遺墟之迹。由以動司馬撰書之志。出入翰相之門討論墳典。陞諸名師堂奧講解經章。如司徒雲麓洪公別峯印公。皆尊愛之。

Buddhist sūtras. In his leisure time he was able to sightsee in the three capitals and tour scenic wonders, paying homage to Mañjuśrī at Wutai Shan and perusing the traces of the ancient ruins of the Jin in Yan. Thereupon he was moved to follow Sima Qian's aspiration of compiling a history. He frequented the gates of Hanlin academicians and prime ministers to discuss ancient classics, and entered the inner halls of celebrated masters to expound scripture passages. Figures such as Minister of Education Lord Hong of Yunlu and Lord Yin of Biefeng all honored and cherished him.