續高僧傳 16.35

16.35

Shi Zhiyuan was surnamed Wang, and his clan originally hailed from Taiyuan; he resided in the Shan region. In his youth he was intelligent and early on realized the impermanent. Dwelling in the meditation quarter of Changsha Temple in Jingzhou, he was a disciple of the śramaṇa Fajing. Standing eminent and independent, he quietly bore the profound mind in memory. By the age for taking the precepts, his purity became even more rigorous, yet his cultivation of wisdom was not yet deep. Looking afar toward the capital of Yang[zhou], he shouldered his baggage, traveled by water, and reached Jianye. Sengchuo of Longguang was a hero of the era; [Zhiyuan] dedicated his mind to revering his teachings and received instruction exclusively under him. He studied for over a twelve-year cycle, gaining a thorough understanding of the Tripiṭaka. Xiao Zhengli, Marquis of Jian'an of the Liang, attended to both inner and outer affairs and broadly propagated both Confucius and the Buddha. He built Puming Temple and invited Zhiyuan to reside there to express his intention of making offerings. There was Dhyāna Master Huizhan, whose level of samādhi was profoundly deep, being a leader of younger students; [Zhiyuan] received the esoteric teachings completely from him and consulted him regarding profound contemplation. Once the waters of concentration were serene, the gate of wisdom naturally opened wide. Studying the Mahāyāna, he penetrated its roots and branches. He also traversed famous mountains to cultivate his aspirations and propagate the Dharma, gathering with the śramaṇa Daohui at Longpan; their long-cherished vows were fully resolved in that single period. Subsequently, he resided at Kaishan Temple, devoting his aspirations to the mountain springs. He never looked toward city gates and had no involvement in worldly glory. Keeping quiet and finding joy within, he did not abandon this practice even in old age. On the morning of the first day of the twelfth month in the third year of the Taijian era of the Chen, he passed away in the meditation quarter of this temple at the age of seventy-seven. His testamentary instruction forbade weeping; he passed away peacefully as if entering samādhi. He was then buried on Mount Dulong. Śramaṇa Huigao of Xin'an Temple remarked: "I early entered the Dharma gate together with that man and long received the path of precepts from him. I lament that the bridge of the Dharma has suddenly broken and grieve that the jewel boat has already sunk." He then led ordinary talents to respectfully record his true virtues. Xiao Ji, Minister of the Five Armies, a man of vast talent, extensive erudition, pure conduct, and high renown, composed an inscription and hymn for him.