高僧傳 8.48

8.48

Shi Huici's secular surname was Yin, and he was a native of Jizhou. When he first went forth from home, he became a disciple of Zhiqin. Later he met Shi Faqian of Xuzhou, whose understanding surpassed that of his contemporaries; Qin therefore entrusted Ci to him. Ci subsequently followed Qian south to Jingkou, staying at Zhulin Temple. When he was fifteen years old, he followed Qian back to Pengcheng. Although he was still at the age of a novice (śrāmaṇera), his resolve to study was untiring. His clear discernment was broad and thorough, surpassing others and standing aloof. By the age of eighteen, he had thoroughly mastered sūtras and treatises, and his fame resonated throughout the land of Xu. By the time he received the full precepts, his practice and discipline had deepened even further. He frequently lectured on the Tattvasiddhi (Chengshi) and the Three Treatises. During the Daming era, he went to the capital and stayed at Xie Temple. Down to the end of the Song and the beginning of the Qi, those who took refuge in his virtue grew increasingly numerous; whenever he opened a lecture seat, both religious and lay rushed to attend. The śramaṇas Zhizang, Sengmin, Fayun, and others were all brilliant and outstanding from their youth, with innate wisdom and understanding; they all went to Ci to study under him. Crown Prince Wenhui and Prince Wenxuan both reverenced him with the etiquette of a teacher and supplied him with the four necessities. In the eighth year of the Yongming era (490 CE), he was lecturing on the Śataka-śāstra (Bailun). Upon reaching the chapter on 'Refuting Atoms' (Pochen pin), he suddenly passed away, at the age of fifty-seven.