釋氏稽古略 3.218

3.218

In the eighth month, the emperor spoke with his grand councilors, and finding that Han Yu was to be pitied, appointed him prefect of Yuanzhou. Han Yu again went to Dadian's hut, presented two sets of robes, and took his leave, saying, 'Yu is about to leave the Master. I hope to hear a single word that may assist me to the end.' Dadian said, 'I have heard that those who easily believe in others are bound to change their principles easily; those who easily praise others are bound to give rise to slander easily. Having heard my words, you easily believed them. How do I know that upon hearing someone else's talk, you will not once again consider me wrong?' He then told him nothing more. Han Yu knew that he could hear nothing further, so he left and arrived in Yuanzhou. Minister Meng Jian learned that Han Yu had associated with Dadian and sent him a letter commending his faith and inclination. Han Yu replied to Jian's letter, stating: 'Dadian is quite intelligent and understands the principles of truth. He can truly set aside his physical form and conquer himself through principle, unperturbed and undistracted by things and affairs. Although I do not fully comprehend the essentials of his words, yet within his breast there are no blockages or hindrances, so I interacted with him' (Collected Works of Han Yu). Chan Master Dadian of Mount Ling in Chaozhou was named Baotong, a son of the Yang family of Chaozhou. He was a dharma heir of Chan Master Shitou Xiqian of Nanyue. Xiqian was a dharma heir of Qingyuan Xingsi of Jizhou. Xingsi was a dharma heir of the Sixth Patriarch, Great Master Dajian. In this year, Liu Zihou passed away.