續高僧傳 26.65

26.65

Śramaṇa Huidan was a native of Yongzhou. In his studies he thoroughly investigated the Nirvāṇa [Sūtra] and mastered the Mahāyānasaṃgraha. Whenever he mounted the lecturer’s seat, his reputation was celebrated in the capital. He was a disciple of the Dharma Master Tanyan. He resided at Yanxing Temple. During the Renshou era, an imperial decree summoned him to erect a pagoda at Tianzhu Temple in Hangzhou, situated on Lingyin Mountain, where towering rocks and craggy forests indeed invited immortals and sages. When the pagoda foundation was first constructed, numerous underground boulders were encountered. Digging into one spot, they unearthed an ancient stone reliquary whose borders receded into an unfathomable depth. Therefore, the newly made [relic casket] was deposited inside the ancient reliquary; their dimensions matched harmoniously as if by an ancient covenant. Dan returned to his home temple and lectured as usual; though not exceedingly exceptional, he was of the capable class. In the early years of the Zhenguan era, he passed away at his home temple at the age of over seventy. Approaching his end, his words were clear and his talk tranquil, his countenance unchanged. Turning to his Dharma-kinsmen, he earnestly entrusted them with the maintenance [of the temple]. Saying farewell to all, he peacefully passed away.