續高僧傳 19.22

19.22

Shi Huichao, whose secular surname was Shentu, was a native of Lucheng in Shangdang. Embodying the Way and cherishing chastity, his resolve was as ice and frost. At first he shook out his robes to abandon secular life, went north toward Jinyang, and resided at Daxingguo Monastery, taking dhyāna contemplation as his occupation. Although he briefly reviewed the orthodox teachings and fully grasped what was heterodox and orthodox, he relied especially on the path of practice rather than pursuing mere words. He thus constructed a separate bodhimaṇḍa, abundantly arraying ritual images, with banners and flowers hung in alternation and all the ritual implements fresh and pure. He also gathered rare incenses and displayed many varieties; constantly making offerings by burning incense, the clouds of smoke followed one after another. Chao himself constantly dwelt within, sitting upright in pure robes, refining his examination and contemplation to match his resolve. Therefore, rare incense filled the room and miraculous relics filled the jars; as they were dispensed in response to needs, blessings flowed, replenishing whatever was depleted, without anyone knowing how it occurred. In the middle of the Renshou era, after Empress Xian passed away and Zhanding Monastery was established, Chao was summoned to the capital on account of his renown. His purification of body and robes surpassed ordinary days, and his elicitation of auspicious omens and presentation of offerings continued uninterrupted as before. In the first year of Wude (618 CE), since Bingbu was his old home where many harbored faith, and the transformative power of the Way in response to conditions could hardly be restricted by boundaries, he returned to Xingguo Monastery, where monastics and laity rejoiced, vying to pay him homage. In the winter of the seventh year, having taken a slight illness and feeling unwell, he announced his impending departure. The entire monastery assembled to wait and listen to his final instructions. Chao sat upright as usual, his spirit even more vibrant. He addressed the assembly, saying: 'Living together for many years, ordinary feelings easily create distance. If anyone has caused irritation, I hope your minds will be open. Human existence is hard to encounter, and the wholesome mind is easily lost. At this moment, take responsibility for yourselves and do not stray in future lives.' Having spoken, he clasped his hands over his heart; unnoticed, he passed away. Seeing no response, they thought he was not yet gone, but when they placed fine silk fluff to his nose, they realized he had stopped breathing. He was then over seventy years old. He sat as if possessing divine colors, his appearance more radiant and pure than ever. Rare incense coiled and filled the room and courtyard, and music was heard in the sky, without anyone knowing its source. His disciples and the great assembly were stunned and awed. Men and women rushed to the scene, their weeping choked beneath the cold clouds, jamming the monastery grounds while offerings of incense and flowers piled up. In the middle of the twelfth month, a date was set for the burial. Monastics and laity from far and near lined the roads, vying to press forward. From the monastery to the mountain was over ten li, with people and horses converging like spokes on a hub, like a bustling market. He was carried on a corded chair, seated as if entering absorption. With the road utterly crowded and sudden restraint impossible, they diverted the procession through the western wall to break open wilderness for burial. The crowd again pressed close as if the heavens were collapsing. He was then encoffined beside Kaihua Monastery on Longfu Mountain, and placed within a cave chamber. After a full year, his body remained intact and undecayed, and daily offerings of homage, incense, and flowers never ceased. Later, the entrance to the cave was sealed, a stupa was erected above it, and an inscription was carved to its right to commemorate his deep virtue.