高僧傳 11.5

11.5

Zhu Sengxian, originally surnamed Fu, was a native of Beidi. Chaste, austere, and upright in monastic discipline, he consumed vegetarian food, chanted sūtras, and made the practice of dhyāna his primary endeavor. He constantly resided alone in mountains and forests, practicing dhūta far from worldly people. At times he entered dhyāna for several days, yet showed no signs of hunger. When Liu Yao invaded and threw the Western Capital into chaos, court and populace collapsed in turmoil. At the end of the Taixing era of the Jin, Sengxian traveled south to the region east of the Yangtze. He again journeyed through famous mountains, cultivating his constant practice. Later he contracted a severe illness that grew grave, whereupon he focused his thoughts on the Western Direction with utmost earnestness and sincerity. He saw Amitāyus Buddha descend in true form, his light illuminating his body, and all his sufferings were completely cured. That evening he arose and bathed, and explained what he had seen to his fellow residents and attendants, also expounding on cause and effect with clear and precise words. At dawn the next morning, he sat upright and transformed. An extraordinary fragrance filled the room, dissipating only after more than ten days.