高僧傳 5.23

5.23

Zhu Fatai was a native of Dongwan. In his youth he studied together with Dao'an; although his talent and eloquence did not equal Dao'an's, his physical appearance surpassed him. Fleeing the upheavals with Dao'an, he arrived at Xinye; Dao'an divided the community and ordered Fatai to go down to the capital. On parting, Fatai said to Dao'an: "You, Dharma Master, shall set the model for the northwest, while this humble seat will propagate the teaching in the southeast. Though separated by rivers and lakes, our paths and methods will gaze toward each other from afar. As for our grand assembly in the pure cause, we shall look forward to it in the winter of our days." Thereupon they parted, weeping tears as they took leave. Accompanied by more than forty disciples including Tanyi and Tan'er, he traveled eastward down the river, but fell ill and halted at Yangkou. At that time Huan Wen was garrisoned at Jingzhou; he sent an envoy to invite him to cross over and provided medicinal broth, while Master Dao'an also sent his disciple Huiyuan down to Jingzhou to inquire after his illness. Fatai's illness having somewhat improved, he went to visit Wen. Wen wished to have a long conversation with Fatai, but as he was first receiving other guests, he did not immediately attend to Fatai. Since Fatai's illness had not yet subsided and he could not bear sitting for long, he took a carriage through the side corridor and went back out. He sent word to Wen, saying: "My phlegm-wind disorder has suddenly flared up, so I cannot converse for long; I shall call again soon." Wen rushed out in haste and escorted him back.