高僧傳 7.46

7.46

Shi Sengche, whose secular surname was Wang, was originally a native of Jinyang in Taiyuan. Bereaved of his father at an early age, he and his brother resided in Xiangyang. At the age of sixteen, Sengche entered Mount Lu to visit Master [Hui]yuan. Master Yuan saw him, marveled at him, and asked, "Do you have the intention to undergo pravrajyā?" He replied, "Leaving behind the dust and renouncing the worldly life is indeed my original aspiration. As for applying the plumb line and casting in the mold, that rests solely with the master craftsman." Master Yuan said, "If you can enter the Way, you will surely attain the Dharma-gate of fearlessness." Thereupon, Sengche cast off his hair-pin and committed himself, receiving instruction from Master Yuan. He studied the various sūtras comprehensively, excelling especially in the Prajñāpāramitā. Moreover, in his leisure from seeking the Way, he also applied his mind to literary compositions; whenever he composed a rhapsody or poem, words would flow from his brush into finished prose. Once, he went to the south of the mountain, grasped a pine tree, and whistled; thereupon, a clear breeze gathered from afar and flocking birds chimed in harmony, with a transcendent and superior air. Returning, he consulted Master Yuan: "The Vinaya forbids string and wind instruments, and the precepts prohibit song and dance. May one chant or whistle?" Master Yuan said, "Speaking from the perspective of distraction, these are all violations of the Dharma." Because of this, he ceased doing so.