釋氏稽古略 3.166

3.166

In the jia-yin year, the ninth year of Dali, a Daoist named Shi Hua had gained imperial favor through esoteric arts. He thereupon requested to set up a ladder of blades to contest teachings with the śramaṇas. An imperial decree ordered the monks of the two street quarters to be selected to respond. The śramaṇa Chonghui, who regularly recited the Śūraṅgama-dhāraṇī, memorialized requesting permission to subdue him. The Emperor led the hundred officials to attend and watch. Shi Hua trod upon the blades and climbed up, beckoning Chonghui to ascend. Hui then stepped onto them and went up, moving back and forth without injury. Hui then ordered firewood to be gathered into a blazing fire in the courtyard. Hui entered it and called for Hua; Hua was sweating with shame and dared not look straight at him. The Emperor was greatly delighted and dismissed the gathering. He bestowed upon Chonghui the title "Protector of the Realm Tripiṭaka Master." Later, his end was unknown (from Vinaya Master Daoxuan's Accounts of the Debates between Buddhists and Daoists).