高僧傳 7.13

7.13

Shi Huiyan, whose secular surname was Fan, was a native of Yuzhou. At the age of twelve, he was a student who was broadly conversant with the Odes and the Documents. At sixteen, he went forth from home and also became well versed in Buddhist principles. By the time he had barely reached the age of thirty, his learning thoroughly penetrated the manifold texts; his reputation spread far and wide, and his edification reached foreign lands. Hearing that Master [Kumāra]jīva was in the Pass, he again went to study under him, inquiring into the correct sounds and meanings, and gained many rare insights. Later he returned to the capital and stayed at Dong'an Temple. Emperor Gaozu of the Song had long known and respected him. Later, when Gaozu campaigned against Chang'an, he urged [Huiyan] to travel with him. Yan said: "Although this journey of the dānapati is to punish the guilty and console the people, this poor monk is a person beyond secular affairs and does not dare to obey the order." The Emperor earnestly urged him, so he went along. When Emperor Wen was on the throne, their cordial relationship was especially close; whenever they met, [the Emperor] would broadly praise and inquire about the Buddhadharma.