釋氏稽古略 4.208

4.208

Chan Master Zongben of Ruiguang Temple in Suzhou (Pingjiang Route) moved to dwell at Jingci in Hangzhou. Chan practitioners from all under heaven hastened there, and the bodhimaṇḍa flourished exceedingly. Vinaya Master Zhao of Lingzhi sent the three robes of cloth (the saṃghāṭī robe, nine strips, seven strips, and five strips) and an earthenware bowl, delivering a letter to the master saying: 'The Buddha ordained these items so that those of superior, middling, and inferior faculties alike should comply with and honor them. Matters are initiated according to the time; the Way relies on humans to be propagated. Exert yourself to uphold them, to encourage later learners.' The master received them for the rest of his life: for food, he used an earthenware bowl; ascending the seat to preach the Dharma, he wore these robes of coarse cloth (Xingye ji of Vinaya Master Zhao).