續高僧傳 26.91

26.91

Śramaṇa Daoyan, surnamed Li, was a native of Dingzhou. At first he studied Master Yuan's Nirvāṇa and Daśabhūmika [teachings], grasping their essential outlines most abundantly. He frequently lectured on them, his disciples gathering in droves. Opening up the Dao in the eastern river lands, he brought not a little enlightenment. Later he entered the capital and returned to reside at Jingying Monastery. During Master Yuan's flourishing era, he upheld the tradition and carried on the lineage. In the middle of the Renshou era, when pagodas were established throughout the realm, an imperial decree summoned him to escort relics to Guizhou. When he first entered the provincial borders, several thousand birds flew in unison, arriving in formation to welcome the palanquin, following it from the countryside into the city, dispersing only after a long while. When it was placed and settled, five-colored clouds were felt hovering and spreading, gathering thickly over the foundation; elsewhere all was clear and bright, and the sun illuminated heaven and earth. Later he returned to the capital, constantly honoring the superior vocation. As the Tang dynasty had newly begun, the realm was still unsettled; holding fast to vegetarian fasts and lectures, they followed one another at Jingying Monastery. Due to illness he passed away, aged over seventy, in the fifth year of Wude. Approaching the end, he rinsed his mouth, held an incense burner in his hands, and as if seeing something, quietly passed away. Throughout Yan's life in the world, his clothes were coarse and plain, and he did not associate indiscriminately with companions. His travels were always timely, his mind avoiding suspicion and conflict. His words were always thorough and deliberate, deeply reflecting on offending others. Moreover, he aided birds and beasts, keeping compassionate nurturing in his heart; whenever they suffered slight torment or exhaustion, he would immediately weep. He did not look down on children and did not use harsh rebukes. Even if someone insulted or bullied him, it was as if a breeze brushed by. Looking at his associates, he said, 'I shall soon depart; why trouble others?' Thus he had truly grasped the meaning of impermanence.