續高僧傳 6.32

6.32

Shi Tanzhun, whose lay surname was Hong, was a native of Tangyin in Wei Commandery. He resided at Changlewang Temple. Leaving home, he received instruction under Master Zhidān. In the diligence of his research, none in the assembly could match him. Dwelling in quietude and savouring the Dao, he had no ambition for the dust of the world. He was skilled in the *Nirvāṇa* and the *Lotus*, and his fame was heard across the Yi and Luo rivers. In leisurely dwelling he let his thoughts wander, not engaging in secular affairs. Hearing that the Prince of Jingling of the Qi was widely inviting outstanding individuals of the Dao and vigorously promoting lectures, he subsequently crossed south and stayed at Xiangdong Temple. Everywhere he went, he gathered and listened to teachings, engaging in discussions alongside the assemblies. Even when facing road hazards, he never complained of fatigue. Master Cì sighed and said, 'This northern Daoist not only has a handsome deportment and is good at speech and laughter, but is ardent, luminous, broad-minded, and elegantly endowed with capacity and depth. As for his discussions, they possess profound sensibility.' Prince Xiao Ying of Linchuan and Prince Xiao Huang of Changsha of the Qi deeply revered and respected him. He Dian of Lujiang and Liu Zeng of Pengcheng both came to his chamber, touched his feet, and received his precepts and admonitions. His lectures succeeded one another, and over two hundred individuals completed their studies under him. In the fourteenth year of the Tianjian era, he died at the age of seventy-seven. At that time in the temple, there was also the bhikṣu Zhishen, intelligent and broadly knowledgeable, who had achieved great merit in the scriptures and treatises. The emperor, princes, and marquises largely received him with guest-like honours. By nature he was fond of plain speech and yielded to no one. Whenever he appraised and critiqued, people found it unpalatable. Because of this, his circumstances were difficult, and his propagation of the Dharma met with few obstacles [only because his opportunities were limited].