高僧傳 4.40

4.40

Zhu Fachong's origins are unknown. He entered the Way in his youth and was praised for his discipline and integrity; in addition, he was quick-witted and fond of learning, devoted to the scriptures and commentaries, and particularly adept in the single teaching of the Saddharmapuṇḍarīka-sūtra. He once traveled to Mount Lu in Xiangzhou; a mountain spirit transformed into a woman, came to Chong to request the precepts, and relinquished the mountain where she dwelt to serve as a monastery. Chong dwelt there for a short time, and his transformative influence suffused the Xiang territory. Later, he returned to Gexian Mountain in Shan, drinking from mountain streams beneath a thatched hut, finding delight in dhyāna and wisdom; scholars from Dong'ou vied to gather there. He met the hermit Kong Chunzhi of Lu; whenever they wandered together, they spent the whole day, and frequently stayed overnight, forgetting to return. Opening their lapels in sudden rapport, they considered each other kindred spirits. Chong then sighed, saying: 'Contemplating beyond human affairs for over thirty years, only now having an encounter by chance, I did not realize that old age was fast approaching.' Later, when Chunzhi traveled elsewhere, Chong recited: 'The spirit of vast purity remains in heart and eye; the recluse of mountains and forests goes away and does not return. Surely that applies to such a man!' Chong later died in the mountains; it is said he authored a four-fascicle 'Commentary on the Meaning of the Lotus Sūtra' (Fahua yishu).