高僧傳 4.44

4.44

Zhu Sengdu's surname was Wang, his given name was Xi, and his courtesy name was Xuanzong; he was a native of Dongguan. Although he was orphaned and humble in his youth, his natural endowments were outstanding. By the age of sixteen, his spirit and presence were refreshing and eminent, standing out as exceptional; his character and demeanor were gentle, envied by his fellow villagers. At that time, he lived alone with his mother, serving her with filial piety and utmost propriety. He sought the hand of the daughter of Yang Deshen of the same commandery, who was also from a family of official standing. The girl's courtesy name was Tiaohua; her appearance was upright and dignified, and she was also skilled in ancient texts. She was of the same age as Du, and on the day he proposed marriage, she was promised to him. Before the rites could be completed, Tiaohua's mother died; shortly afterward, Tiaohua's father also died, and her concubine-mother passed away as well. Du thereupon observed the impermanence of the world, was suddenly awakened, and renounced the secular life to become a monk, changing his name to Sengdu. Standing aloof beyond worldly dust, he withdrew to other lands to travel and study.