釋氏稽古略 3.186

3.186

Sengbiao: A śramaṇa named Sengbiao. From his youth his spirit was pure and thriving. First, in the first year of Qianyuan of Suzong, he passed the examination in the scriptures to become a monk. Later he studied the Vinaya and possessed lofty conduct. Reaching the fourteenth year of Zhenyuan, he built a hermitage on the Western Ridge of Hangzhou. Persons of great refinement associated with him, such as Li Jifu, Wei Gao, and Meng Jian, all forming friendships with him outside worldly dust. The people of Wu had a saying: 'Biao of Hang grazes the clouds in the azure; / Che of Yue is penetrating as ice and snow; / Zhou of Wu is uniquely pure and graceful.' Lu Yu of Jingling, seeing Biao, said, 'Sun, moon, clouds, and mists: I know them as the standards (biao) of heaven. Mountains, streams, grasses, and trees: I know them as the standards of earth. Ascribing ability and returning virtue: I know it as the standard of virtue. Living in leisure and inclining toward tranquility, does not this name truly belong to you, sir?' The people of Hang revered him and did not call him by his name, merely referring to him as Venerable Xiling (Gaoseng zhuan).