高僧傳 5.9

5.9

At that time, Xi Zuochi of Xiangyang possessed an unmatched eloquence that outshone all others of his day. Having previously heard of Dao'an's great fame, he had early on sent a letter to establish ties of goodwill, saying: "I understand that you conform to reality and walk in the truth; clarity is blended within you, your compassionate teachings illuminate both [domains], and you shelter both the religious and the laity alike. Since the great teaching flowed east for more than four hundred years, although feudal princes and laymen have occasionally venerated it, the true elixir was previously hidden in the ancient stream and practiced in former ages; as the fortunes of the Way shifted with the times, the worldly have not all awakened to it. Recently, the flourishing of the karmic work of the Way has been entirely without peer, answering to what is said of the moonlight being about to emerge and the divine alms-bowl descending in response. Dharma Master, you shoulder the great standard, and your transformation reaches into the profound depths; the monks of this region all cherish their longing for you. If an auspicious cloud moves eastward and the maṇi-jewel reflects its radiance, you will mount the seven-jeweled throne for once, and briefly display the lamp of wisdom. Rain down sweet dew upon the lush grasses, and plant sandalwood on the riverbanks. Then the teachings of the Tathāgata will be exalted anew today, and the profound waves will surge and wash over this whole generation again." The letter was lengthy and is not fully recorded here. When he heard that Dao'an had arrived, he at once went to pay a call on him. Once seated, he announced: "Xi Zuochi of the four seas." Dao'an replied: "Shi Dao'an [whose fame] covers the heavens." The people of the time regarded this as a famous exchange. Later, Zuochi presented ten pears; just as the assembly was taking their meal, Dao'an sliced them with his own hands, and the pears were distributed to every person without the slightest discrepancy. Xi Chao of Gaoping sent an envoy to present a thousand hu of rice, writing a letter across multiple sheets of paper that expressed profound courtesy. Dao'an wrote in reply: "You have bestowed rice, which makes me feel all the more the trouble of depending on external things." Xi Zuochi wrote in a letter to Xie An: "I have come here and met Shi Dao'an. He is indeed far superior, an extraordinary man of the Way. With several hundred disciples, he tirelessly leads observances and lectures. He has no wondrous arts of transformation to delude the ears and eyes of common folk, nor does he possess weighty awe and vast influence to bring order to the disparities among the multitudes. Yet teacher and disciples are solemn and respectful toward one another; vast and dignified, it is something I have never seen before. In his disposition he is concise and sincere, and he has read widely; he has glanced over nearly all texts, internal and external, and is conversant with yin-yang and reckoning. In the profound meanings of Buddhist scriptures he is particularly skilled. When he interprets the doctrines, he is like Dharmarakṣa and Fadao. I regret that you cannot meet him at this time, and he too frequently speaks of wishing to have an interview with you." Such was the high regard the worthies of the age held for him.