高僧傳 6.40

6.40

Traveling to Jingzhou, Inspector Yin Zhongkan treated him with delight and deep respect. At that time, Huan Xuan was also there. Although Huan Xuan's scholarly foundation was slight, his spirit was exceptionally outstanding at first encounter. Seeing that Huichi's insight into subtle matters was uniquely peerless, he especially praised him as incomparable in past or present, and greatly wished to form ties of friendship. But Huichi doubted his character and ultimately declined and would not accept him. Yin and Huan both bitterly wished to retain him. Huichi had even less intention of staying; on the verge of leaving, he wrote a letter to Huan Xuan, saying: 'Originally I wished to lodge my ailing body amidst the peaks of Emei, and observe edification beyond the drifting sands; I cannot turn my back on the aspiration that set my feet in motion, so I have packed my bags and set out on the road.' Huan Xuan received the letter with melancholy, knowing that he could not be stopped. Huichi then arrived in Shu and resided at Longyuan Monastery, greatly propagating the Buddhadharma; across the constellations of the four quarters, those who admired his virtue gathered in companionship. Inspector Mao Qu held him in high esteem and veneration.