高僧傳 7.32

7.32

Shi Sengbi was originally a native of Wu; his temperament was unpretentious and simple, and his demeanour upright. In his youth, together with Longguang Tangan, he traveled to Chang'an and studied under Kumārajīva. Cherishing his time and sparing no effort, he was quiet and deep in thought; Kumārajīva praised him exceptionally and had him participate in the translation work. Later he traveled through renowned regions and observed the customs everywhere. At that time someone invited [Seng]bi to become the temple abbot; [Seng]bi said: 'The supreme Way is not broadly propagated, and pure customs are daily receding; unless one is fully endowed with both samādhi and wisdom, there is no way to establish a moral tradition. Moreover, one should bring benefit according to circumstances—how can one care only for a single temple?' Later he lived south in Chu and Ying for more than ten years. Giving instruction in the scriptures and precepts, he greatly transformed the region south of the Yangtze. Juqu Mengxun, the King of Hexi, admired his reputation from afar, sending envoys to convey respects and continuously bestowing offerings. Later he went down to the capital and resided at Pengcheng Temple; Emperor Wen esteemed his capacity and frequently invited him to lecture. He died in the nineteenth year of the Yuanjia era of the Song, at the age of seventy-eight.