宋高僧傳 4.13

4.13

Shi Yuance's clan name is not known. From youth he was bright and quick, his insightful comprehension expansive and versatile. When Tripiṭaka Master Xuanzang was lecturing on the newly translated Vijñaptimātratā-śāstra for Master Ji of Cien Temple, Yuance bribed the gatekeeper to listen in secret, returning afterward to weave and compose doctrinal essays. When Xuanzang was about to conclude his lectures, Yuance struck the bell at Ximing Temple to assemble the congregation and announced that he would lecture on the Vijñaptimātratā. Ji felt aggrieved that someone had preempted him, but nevertheless conceded to Yuance's lectures and instructions. When Xuanzang lectured on the Yogācārabhūmi, Yuance again secretly listened to and received it as before, yet he was not behind Ji either. Towards the end of Gaozong's reign and the beginning of the Heavenly Empress's era, having responded to the selection for exegetical understanding, he entered the translation institute, where the assembly all deferred to him. When scriptures such as the Mahāyāna-abhidharma-samuccaya were translated, Yuance served as verifier of meaning, running abreast alongside Bochen, Lingbian, and Jiashang. The Weishi shuchao he composed explained sūtras and treatises in detail and circulated throughout the realm.