宋高僧傳 4.23

4.23

Śramaṇa Jiashang was of unknown origin. His wisdom was an innate gift, and his bearing extraordinary; he held firmly to the rules and precepts, conquered the characteristics and nature [of Dharmas], was diligent in his cultivation, and dedicated to translation. From afar he set his heart upon Tripiṭaka Xuanzang's gate, seeing the wealth of the ancestral temples and peeping at the splendor of the apartments. Having long investigated the Yogācārabhūmi, the essential tenets of the Buddhabhūmi-śāstra, and the Vijñaptimātratāsiddhi, he profoundly grasped their essential points. Accompanying Xuanzang to the Yuhua Palace to translate the Mahāprajñāpāramitā Sūtra, he served to verify the meaning and compose the text, excelling with many talents. When the Tripiṭaka Master fell ill, he ordered Jiashang to compile a complete catalog of the translated scriptures and treatises, amounting to seventy-five works in 1,335 scrolls in all. He also recorded one thousand painted banners of Koṭi [statues], the making of ten Koṭi statues, the copying of scriptures, releasing living beings, and lighting lamps, having Jiashang read it aloud. Xuanzang folded his hands in joy and said: "This is the wish in my heart; by proclaiming it on my behalf, I may pass away without regret." After Xuanzang died, Jiashang wrote commentaries and subcommentaries, compiled miscellaneous collections, and his doctrinal analyses were numerous. In the court of the Heavenly Empress, together with Baochen, Lingbian, and others, he participated in the translation arena verifying meanings, his accomplishments becoming all the more extensive. When Jiashang first attended Master Xuanzang translating scriptures at Yuhua Palace, reaching the "Chapter on Purifying and Adorning Buddha Lands" of the First Assembly, which speaks of the Buddhas and bodhisattvas using supernatural and vow powers to fill the trichiliocosm with the most marvelous treasures, wonderful fragrances and flowers, and the delightful five sense objects born of intention to make offerings and adorn the place of Dharma preaching, he and the monastery rector Huide saw at night the interior of Yuhua Temple expansive, serene, and filled with instrumental music. They also heard three halls expounding the Dharma. The next day they reported it to Xuanzang, who was delighted by the corroboration. It is not known where Jiashang ended his days.