宋高僧傳 19.8

19.8

Shi Huifu, whose secular surname was Qi, was a native of Zhuji in Yuezhou. Upon coming of age, his courage surpassed that of ordinary men; in trials of strength and chariot racing, none could equal him. Yet, acting as a gallant knight-errant, he grew weary of secular life, and suddenly went to Xiangyan Temple, correcting his conduct and softening his mind, his natural purity changing all at once. After receiving the Dharma, his disciplined practice stood out conspicuously. Every night, along the mountains, he would sit on a grass mat, dwelling in dhyāna without moving. Furthermore, he investigated the sūtras and treatises, and saw that Mount Huo in Qian County—where Emperor Wu of the Han had once moved the sacrificial rites of the Southern Marchmount—was an exceedingly scenic place. Tianzhu Temple within it was suitable for settling the spirit, so he built a hut and resided there. Before long, a giant snake appeared with open mouth, spitting blazing poisonous fire. Fu spoke to it slowly: 'If you are seeking past debts, you may devour me. Otherwise, cleanse your body and settle your mind; if the movement of your karma opens the way, come and receive the precepts.' In a moment, it ceased its threatening posture, wriggled away, and indeed transformed into human form, coming to ask to enter the monastic life. Fu shaved his head and robed him; after receiving the ordination, he bowed, took leave, and departed. Later, Fu was accused of private ordination without official authorization, and he answered and defended himself entirely with the truth. Fu said: 'If private ordination is an offense, I will willingly accept the punishment.' The officials recognized that he was extraordinary and dismissed the charges. Whenever Fu saw sores or boils with pus flowing, he would chant incantations over them, and they would heal. In the eighteenth year of the Kaiyuan reign era, he passed away without illness. He was subsequently cremated, and his bones were seen to be interred with the joints still interconnected.