釋氏稽古略 4.167

4.167

Yangqi: Chan Master of Mount Yangqi in Yuanzhou was named Fanghui, a son of the Leng family of Yichun in that commandery. In his youth he went to Jiufeng in Ruizhou; feeling as if it were an old haunt, he took a master and had his head shaved. Whenever he read the scriptures, his mind melted and his spirit resonated. He studied under Chan Master Ciming Yuan. When Yuan moved from Nanyuan to Daowu and then to Shishuang, the Master assisted him in all matters, overseeing monastic affairs. Although he had relied on him for a long time, he had not yet had an awakening. Whenever he inquired of him, Yuan said, “The affairs of the storage office are numerous; go away for now.” On another day he inquired again, and Yuan said, “Prior, in days to come your descendants will fill the world; what need is there to be in a rush?” Yuan happened to go out when rain suddenly fell. The Master lay in wait for him along a narrow path, seized him, and said, “Old fellow, today you must explain it to me! If you do not explain, I will hit you!” Yuan said, “Prior, knowing that it is this kind of matter, just cease!” Before the words were finished, the Master experienced great awakening. He immediately bowed in the mud. The next day, fully dressed in dignified vestments, he went to the Abbot's quarters to express his gratitude. Yuan scolded him, saying, “Not yet!” From then on, the Master was in perfect accord. Taking his leave, he returned to Jiufeng. Monks and laity welcomed him to reside at Yangqi. Later he moved to Yungai, where he showed his entry into tranquility. In the first year of Huangyou, a stupa was built on this mountain. He was a Dharma heir of Ciming (Wudeng huiyuan).