釋氏稽古略 2.53

2.53

Imperial Burial of a Śramaṇa: Dharma Master Zhu Faqian. In the second year of the Xingning era of Emperor Ai, an imperial edict summoned him to lecture on the Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra in the palace. Qian wore wooden clogs into the palace hall; people gathered to watch, marveling at the height of his virtue and noble demeanor. The Emperor once attempted to compel him to wear official robes and caps, but Qian did not consent, resigning to return to Mount Shan. Later, Zhi Dun sent a letter asking to purchase the Little Peak of Wozhou to retire into seclusion. Qian replied: "If you wish to come, I will gladly offer it to you. I have never heard of Chao[fu] or Xu [You] purchasing a mountain to live as hermits." In this year he entered quiescence. Emperor Wu issued an edict saying: "The Dharma Master's understanding of principle was lofty and profound, his demeanor and discernment pure and noble. He cast aside the honors of chief minister to don the simplicity of dyed garments. Living in the mountains beyond the mundane world, he was earnest and diligent without slackening. Just as we were relying on him to proclaim the Way to succour the common people, he suddenly passed away, causing deep sorrow in our heart. Let there be granted one hundred thousand strings of cash to assist in constructing a tomb and stupa." Whenever in China a śramaṇa was granted an imperial burial, it began with Qian (from the Biographies of Monks).