高僧傳 8.74

8.74

Shi Zhishun was originally surnamed Xu and was a native of Linyi in Langye. At the age of fifteen he left the household, serving as his master Zhidu of Yanxian Temple on Mount Zhong. From his youth he was intelligent, and his dedication surpassed others. Although still of an age to "restrain compassion" [as a novice], his scholastic achievements had already accumulated. When he received the full precepts, he upheld the prohibitions without blemish. He thoroughly mastered numerous sūtras, yet stood peerless in the Mahāparinirvāṇa-sūtra and the Tattvasiddhi-śāstra. His assembly of lecture attendees regularly numbered more than several hundred people. Once, unexpected circumstances brought unforeseen trouble and subjected him to great adversity, yet his pure integrity remained unyielding, and his virtue remained untarnished. Prince Wenxuan of Jingling of the Qi held him in exceptional reverence and renovated Zhicheng Temple for him to dwell in. Minister of Works Xu Xiaosi also revered his practice and understanding, honoring him as a master. When the Marquis of Donghun abandoned virtue and Xiaosi was executed, Xiaosi's son Gun fled into hiding to escape calamity. Zhishun personally sheltered and protected him, so that in the end he was spared. Later, Gun repeatedly offered generous provisions and stipends, but Zhishun accepted none of them. Once, a thief robbed Zhishun by night; a monastery attendant pursued and caught him. Zhishun kept the thief to lodge in his own room, and the next morning gave him money and silk, instructed him with admonitions, and sent him off. Such was his pervasive benevolence and sincere forbearance. Later he traveled east to the Cave of Yu and resided at Yunmen Hermitage. The prosperity of the wheel of the Dharma was once more seen east of the Yangtze.