高僧傳 5.6

5.6

At the age of forty-five, he returned to the Ji commandery and resided at the Shoudou Temple, where his disciples numbered several hundred, and he constantly proclaimed the teaching of the Dharma. At that time Shi Hu died, and the Prince of Pengcheng, Shi Zun, usurped the throne; he sent the palace envoy Zhu Changpu to invite An into the Hualin Garden and extensively repaired quarters for him. Because it was the decline of the Shi family and the state's fortunes were in danger, An went west to Mount Qiankou. Up until the turmoil of Ran Min, people were despondent. An then said to his assembly: “Now there are natural disasters of drought and locusts, and bandits run rampant; if we gather we cannot sustain ourselves, but dispersing is also not right.” He then led the assembly into Mount Wangwu and Mount Nüchuang. Shortly after, he crossed the Yellow River again to rely on Mount Luhun, eating tree bark and pursuing his studies. Before long, Murong Jun pressed upon Luhun, and Dao'an consequently fled south to Xiangyang. When they arrived at Xinye, he said to his disciples: “Now we encounter ruinous years; without relying on the ruler of a state, the affairs of the Dharma can hardly be established. Moreover, the essence of religious instruction should be spread far and wide.” All said: “We follow the master's instruction.” He then ordered Fatai to go to Yangzhou, saying: “There are many gentlemen of refined tastes there.” He sent Fahe into Shu: “The mountains and waters there are suitable for cultivating solitude.” An, along with his disciple Huiyuan and more than four hundred others, crossed the river; travelling by night, they encountered thunder and rain, advancing by the flash of lightning. Walking ahead, they found a household; looking inside the gate, they saw two horses, and between the pillars was hung a horse nosebag that could hold about one hectolitre (hundred sheng). An immediately called out, “Lin Baisheng!” The master of the house came out in astonishment, and indeed his surname was Lin and his name was Baisheng. Taking Dao'an for a divine being, he treated him with generous hospitality. Afterward, the disciples asked how he knew the man's name; An said: “Two trees (mu) make a forest (lin), and the nosebag holds a hundred sheng.”