宋高僧傳 2.63

2.63

Shi Miduashan, whose Chinese name means ‘Calm Friend’ [Mitraśānta], was a native of the Tokhāra kingdom. Renouncing the world in his youth, he traveled throughout India and extensively studied the sūtras and treatises; the Laṅkāvatāra-sūtra and the Abhidharmakośa-śāstra were what he investigated most thoroughly. Dedicated to transmitting the Semblance Dharma and not longing for his native land, he set out alone with staff in hand and arrived in the Chinese realm. He consequently collaborated with Śikṣānanda to translate the Mahāyāna-laṅkāvatāra-sūtra. Furthermore, during the Tianshou era [690–692], he translated one fascicle of the Raśmivimalaviśuddhaprabhā-dhāraṇī-sūtra together with the śramaṇa Fazang and others. This was a scripture that the Buddha had spoken for the Brahmin Kapilacaṇḍa to prolong his life. When the translation was completed, it was presented to the court. Shortly thereafter, he took leave of the sovereign to return to his homeland, and the Heavenly Empress saw him off with generous gifts.