佛祖歷代通載 18.71

18.71

(28) In spring, on the fifth day of the first month, Chan Master Ciming Chuyuan showed his nirviroṇa. He was from the Li clan of Qingxiang in Jinzhou. In his youth he was a Confucian student. At the age of twenty-two, he was ordained under Xiangshan Yinjing Monastery south of the city. His mother possessed virtuous conduct and sent him to wander on pilgrimage. The Master had joined eyebrows, elegant eyes, and a tall and imposing stature. However, he disregarded monastic conventions; wherever he went, the senior masters reprimanded him, considering him lacking in monastic decorum. The Master leaned against a wooden cliff and smiled, saying: “The trampling of dragons and elephants is not something a donkey can bear.” He used to pack an oddments box and carry it on a bamboo pole, traveling between Xiang and Mian. Together with Shouzhi and Guquan, he joined company and entered Luoyang. Hearing that Fenyang’s reputation in the Way stood highest in the realm, he resolved to personally rely on him. At that time, the imperial court was punishing the rebellious Hedong, and heavy troops were stationed in Lu and Ze; many urged him not to go. Disregarding this, the Master crossed the Yellow River and climbed the Taihang Mountains. Disguising his attire like that of a common servant, he hid his name among the army camp cooks, sleeping in the open and bedding on grass. Arriving at Longzhou, he went directly to Fenyang. Master Zhao marveled at his boldness. After two years had passed, he was still not permitted to enter the master's room. Whenever the Master visited Zhao to probe his intention, Zhao would inevitably scold the attendants or revile the masters of other quarters; and whenever he gave instructions, they were all base, worldly matters. One evening, the Master complained, saying: “Since arriving at your Dharma seat, two summers have already passed, yet I have received no instruction, only increasing my worldly defilements. The seasons pass fleetingly while my own matter remains unenlightened; I have lost the benefit of leaving home.” Before his words were finished, Master Zhao glared fiercely and scolded him: “You evil acquaintance! How dare you trade with me!” Raising his staff, he chased him. When the Master attempted to offer an explanation, Master Zhao covered his mouth. The Master was greatly enlightened and said: “Now I know that Linji’s Way transcends ordinary emotions!” He served him for seven years before taking his leave. He relied on Master Song of Tangming, and later went to visit Hanlin Academician Yang Danian, as well as Commandant Li. Their questions and answers are detailed in his main biography. Later he moved to dwell at Xinghua. Having bathed, he took leave of the assembly and passed away cross-legged. He lived fifty-four years and observed thirty-two summer retreats.