宋高僧傳 27.45

27.45

釋行嚴，滎陽人也。家襲簪組，業嗣典墳。嚴稟庭誥以周旋，約成器能而濟用，比要隨計。俄發宿緣，因聞〈妙莊嚴王經品〉，白父母求出塵勞。堂親抑禁，略無却退。既而削飾去華，年充納戒，諸方問道。綽有餘能，聞五臺山文殊應現，凡聖交蹤，乃登遊而隷名斯地。自爾一成慕學，三教偕明；談論天人之際，聽者茫昧，不知區域之內外耶！王公大人靡不迴向。大和中，多行激勸，俾營福焉。自設大供，日計千人。聞見之流，皆鳴指讚嘆曰：「行合解通，世之希寶也。助道之法，當如是修。」以大中三年右脇而滅，建塔寺西一里云。

Śramaṇa Xingyan was a native of Xingyang. His family had inherited official caps and tassels for generations, their career carrying on the ancient classics and records. Yan received his family's domestic teachings to handle worldly affairs, and was formed into a capable talent suited for practical service; he was on the verge of being presented for official appointment. Suddenly, past affinities awakened. Because he heard the "Chapter on King Subhavyūha," he reported to his parents and requested to leave the dusty worldly toil. His family relations prohibited and held him back, but he did not retreat in the slightest. Soon after, he shaved his locks and shed worldly splendor. When his age was sufficient, he received the precepts and inquired after the Way in various quarters. Possessing an abundance of surplus talent, he heard that on Mount Wutai, Mañjuśrī manifested in response and ordinary mortals and sages mingled their traces; he thereupon climbed to wander there and registered his name in that place. From then on, with a singular resolve he longed to study, illuminating the three teachings together. When he discussed the boundary between Heaven and humans, his listeners were bewildered, unaware whether it was inside or outside the realm! None among the princes, dukes, and grandees failed to turn toward him with devotion. During the Dahe era, he frequently exhorted and encouraged people, causing them to cultivate blessings. He personally established grand offerings, counting a thousand people each day. Those who heard of or witnessed it all snapped their fingers in praise, saying: "His practice accords and his understanding penetrates; he is a rare treasure of the world. The method that assists the Way ought to be cultivated like this." In the third year of Dazhong, he passed away lying on his right side. A stūpa was erected one li west of the temple.