高僧傳 4.37

4.37

Yu Fakai's origin is unknown. He served Master Lan as a disciple; his profound thoughts emerged in solitude, his unique insights extended beyond words, and he was adept at the Pañcaviṃśatisāhasrikā-prajñāpāramitā-sūtra (Fangguang jing) and the Saddharmapuṇḍarīka-sūtra (Fahua jing). Furthermore, he carried on the traditions of Jīvaka and was wondrously versed in the methods of medicine. He once begged for food and lodged at a householder's home; it coincided with a woman in childbirth in critical danger. Various treatments had proved ineffective, and the entire household was in flustered disarray. Kai said: 'This is easily treated.' The host was just slaughtering a sheep to make an excessive sacrifice; Kai instructed him first to take a little mutton and make broth. After she had consumed it, he applied acupuncture following the flow of qì; in a moment, the child emerged wrapped in the sheep's caul. In the fifth year of the Shengping era, Emperor Xiaozong [Emperor Mu] was ill. Kai examined his pulse and knew he would not recover, so he refused to enter again. Empress Kangxian issued an order: 'The Emperor is slightly unwell. Yesterday we summoned Master Yu to examine his pulse, but he lingered at the gate without advancing, offering all kinds of excuses and evasions; he should be arrested and handed over to the Minister of Justice.' Shortly afterward, the Emperor passed away, and he avoided punishment. He returned to Shicheng in Shan, where he continued to repair the Yuanhua Temple, and later moved to Lingjiu Temple on Mount Bai. He often debated the doctrine of 'Matter is itself Emptiness' (ji se kong) with Zhi Daolin; He Mo of Lujiang elucidated Kai's objections, and Xi Chao of Gaoping proclaimed Lin's explanations, both circulating in the world.