宋高僧傳 14.7

14.7

Shi Daocheng was a man of unknown origins. Residing in the capital, he expounded that vinaya vehicle. The moon of his precepts radiated light, full without waning; the jar of his virtue reported fullness, overflowing without tipping. During the Xianqing reign era, he expounded the single school of the Dharmaguptaka-vinaya, drawing crowds like a bustling market in the fog. At that time, the vinaya master Wengang, although he had first relied on Grand Master Chengzhao, subsequently studied the vinaya texts and then ascended into Cheng's inner sanctuary. Moreover, the writings of Huaisu all came from his gate. During the Chuigong reign era, when Tripiṭaka Master Divākara translated the Sūtra of Manifesting Consciousness and other scriptures, the Heavenly Empress decreed that ten eminent virtues assist in his Dharma transformation; Cheng, along with Mingxun and Jiashang, participated together as certifiers of meaning. Consequently, his renown flew through the divine capital, and his position was foremost among the square altars, likened to parasol trees where many phoenixes roost, or a fragrant islet where abundant orchids flourish. His disciples were exceedingly numerous, none surpassing this assembly, yet the place of his death is unknown.