高僧傳 7.38

7.38

Shi Sengquan, whose surname was Zhang, was a native of Haiyang in Liaoxi. In his youth he traveled in Yan and Qi, studying non-Buddhist texts comprehensively, and only left home at the age of twenty. He further mastered the Tripiṭaka and became a model for scholars of the northern lands. Later he crossed the Yangtze and stayed in the capital, setting up lecture seats to expound the teachings broadly, his edification spreading throughout the south. Zhang Gong of Wu Commandery invited him back to Wu to deliver lectures, and the scholars of Gusu all admired his virtue and converted their hearts. At first he stayed at Xianju Temple, and later rested at Mount Huqiu. [Seng]quan had previously made a sixteen-foot golden image in the state of Huanglong; when he arrived in Wu, he also made a human-sized golden image, placing it in the East Temple of Mount Huqiu. By nature [Seng]quan loved charitable giving, providing for the poor and destitute; he maintained pure integrity, possessing no surplus wealth in his dwelling. Later, Meng Yi of Pingchang founded Faxian Temple in Yuhang and invited [Seng]quan to reside there. Leading the assembly with earnest diligence, he never ceased his dhyāna and worship; through reading and searching with extreme labor, he finally lost his sight. Yet his self-exertion became even more refined, and he did not abandon lecturing. Zhang Chang and Zhang Fu of the state of Wu, and Dai Yong and Dai Bo of the state of Qiao, all admired his virtue and formed ties of friendship with him, venerating him with the etiquette of a master. Later [Seng]quan briefly traveled to Lin'an County and lodged at the home of Section Director Dong, who was a pure-believing layman disciple. Shortly after [Seng]quan went to stay there, he fell gravely ill; he constantly saw the image he had made appear on the western wall, and also saw deva youths all coming to attend him in his illness. His disciple Falang dreamed of a terrace held up by several people; when asked where they were going, they replied that they were welcoming Dharma Master [Seng]quan. The next morning, he indeed died. The county magistrate, Ruan Shangzhi, had him buried to the right of Guo Wenju's tomb on Mount Baitu, analogizing it to Liang Hong being buried alongside Yao Li. Special Advancement Wang Yu and the reclusive scholar Dai Yong went to [Seng]quan's tomb and carved a stone to erect a stele; Tang Sixian composed the text, and Zhang Fu wrote the elegy.