釋氏稽古略 3.96

3.96

*Avataṃsaka-sūtra*: The Empress Dowager, hearing that there was a Sanskrit text of the great *Avataṃsaka-sūtra* in the Kingdom of Khotan, dispatched an envoy to request it, and to invite someone well versed in Sanskrit studies to accompany the scripture. Thereupon the King of Khotan dispatched the Venerable Śikṣānanda—translated here as Juexi [Awakening-Joy]—who was profoundly skilled in the tenets of the *Avataṃsaka*, to comply with the imperial order; the Empress Dowager was greatly pleased. In the third month of this year, an edict summoned him to enter Da Biankong Monastery to translate it together with Bodhiruci, Dharma Master Fuli, and others; later, they moved to Foshouji Monastery. The Empress Dowager visited the monastery in person at times, personally inspecting the drafting and correction, and bestowing offerings of food. By the tenth month of the second year of Shengli, the translation of the new scripture was completed in eighty fascicles. The Empress Dowager personally composed a preface and ascended the Taiji Hall to proclaim it to the civil and military officials. In the fourth year of Chang'an, Śikṣānanda produced the seven-fascicle *Laṅkāvatāra-sūtra*, which was particularly detailed and clear compared to other versions. Altogether, Śikṣānanda translated nineteen works of sūtras and treatises in one hundred and seven fascicles. Taking his leave to return to Khotan, an imperial decree dispatched Censor Huo Siguang to escort him back to his native country (all seen in the old and new *Tang Histories*). In the second year of Jinglong under Zhongzong, an edict once again summoned Śikṣānanda to the capital. The Emperor personally welcomed and comforted him with complete ritual decorum, sending him to reside at Jianfu Monastery to lecture on the scripture's tenets. In the tenth month of the first year of Jingyun under Ruizong, the Master entered cessation. After cremation, his tongue remained unconsumed. An edict was issued to send [his remains] back to Khotan to build a stūpa (*Ben zhuan*).