高僧傳 3.21

3.21

Shi Baoyun, whose original clan name is unknown, is said in tradition to have been a man of Liangzhou. He went forth from the household in his youth and possessed diligent learning and practice; his character and bearing were unyielding and pure, not compromising with the ways of the world, and thus from his youth he was renowned for his uprightness and unembellished simplicity. In seeking the Dharma he was earnestly devoted, sacrificing his life for the sake of the Way, with the aspiration to witness the sacred traces in person and broadly search for scriptural essentials. Thereupon, at the beginning of the Long'an era of the Jin, he traveled far to the Western Regions, journeying together with or following Faxian and Zhiyan one after the other. Traversing shifting sands and scaling snowy ridges, he did not consider the hardships and perils difficult. He visited various countries such as Khotan and Tianzhu, fully observing their spiritual wonders. He passed through the lands of rākṣasas, heard the sound of heavenly drums, and paid reverent homage to many shadow-relics and traces of Śākyamuni.