高僧傳 11.44

11.44

Shi Huitong was a native of Guanzhong. In his youth he dwelt in Empress Dowager Temple in Chang'an, eating vegetarian food, holding dhāraṇīs, and reciting the Ekottarika-āgama. He first consulted and received dhyāna training under Dhyāna Master Huizhao of Liangzhou; he was highly proficient in the contemplation practices of the Dharma gates. He constantly set his heart upon the Land of Peaceful Nurture and wished to rest his spirit in that realm. Falling slightly ill, he saw in dhyāna a person arrive whose appearance was very upright and dignified, who said to Tong, "The auspicious time has arrived." In an instant, he saw the light and bodily marks of the Buddha of Immeasurable Life shining resplendently. Tong thereupon awoke from dhyāna, related fully to his fellow students what he had seen, and having finished speaking, he passed away. A wondrous fragrance lingered in the room, dissipating only after three days. His age was fifty-nine.