高僧傳 13.75

13.75

Shi Huizhong, whose secular surname was Min, was a native of Lu State. He lodged in Jinling. Early on he cherished faithful awakening and resolved to follow the Way; though his wish was not yet fulfilled, he already observed a permanent fast on a vegetarian diet. Whenever he led the assembly in fasting gatherings, he would always lead the chanting himself. After doing this for a long time, it was reported to Emperor Xiaowu of the Song. In the sixth year of the Daming era (462), an imperial decree ordained him at the Xin'an Temple, whereupon he dedicated himself to chanting and preaching. Naturally clear-minded and quick, his understanding was profound. His words were not premeditated; when responding to the occasion, they poured forth like a cascade. All who heard him stayed for nights on end, their sincerity deepening. He later moved to the dhyāna quarters of the Waguan Temple. In the fifth year of the Yongming era (487), he died at the age of seventy-three.