宋高僧傳 4.7

4.7

Shi Daoshi, whose courtesy name was Xuanyun, had the surname Han. His ancestors were people of Yique, but his family had become residents of Jingzhao across generations on account of official service. At birth he was graceful and moistened [with favor], and as he grew he became perceptive and quick. Soon he grew weary of worldly dust and thought of joining those who save ants. His parents doted upon him and denied his plea, but after a long while his wish was granted. At the age of twelve, he underwent pravrajyā at Qinglong Temple. Following [masters] he held the water vessel, and staying near [the virtuous] he gladly looked up to them. He thoroughly investigated the vinaya tradition, drilled deeply into the texts, especially aspired to the Supreme Vehicle, and thoroughly illuminated the true nature. At the time his fame was immense, and the three auxiliary commanderies revered and turned to him. During the Xianqing era, as the scriptures and treatises translated by Master Xuanzang [were completed], Daoshi was soon summoned to the imperial palace by decree of Gaozong; he was also selected when the Great Virtues of Cien Temple took turns to perform the rites without interruption throughout the seasons. When Ximing Temple was constructed for the Crown Prince, he was summoned to enter that temple on account of his outstanding erudition. At that time Vinaya Master Daoxuan was actively promoting the vinaya; Daoshi also expounded it alongside him. Together they drove the chariot of the five schools and jointly guided the tracks of the three vehicles; none could equal them, and their renown in the Dao was fragrant and flourishing. Furthermore, in the intervals between lecturing and reciting, he perused the most profound parts of the Tripiṭaka. Thinking that throughout ancient and modern times many people had produced writings, yet though their intentions were elegant and their diction fine, they were insufficient as historical records, he thereupon plucked the blossoms of the literary groves and inhaled the campaka fragrance of the great teachings, compiling them by category under the title Fayuan zhulin, comprising one hundred chapters bound into ten cases. It begins with the "Measures of Kalpas" and ends with "Miscellaneous Records"; before each section and category, he provided a separate preface and discussion. He enabled students and readers to follow each gate and section to examine and summarize what they sought to know, just as if lifting a net by its main cord or holding a coat by its collar. Daoshi's diligent efforts spanned a full ten years, and the work was completed in rolls in the first year of the Zongzhang era. Li Yan, Gentleman of the Orchid Terrace, composed a general preface for it, and this text circulated throughout the realm. He also wrote Shan'e yebao and Xinfu lun in a total of twenty-three fascicles, Daxiaocheng chanmen guan and Dacheng guan in a total of eleven fascicles, the Shoujie yishi and Lifo yishi in a total of six fascicles, the Sifen lü taoyao in five fascicles, the Sifen lü nichao in five fascicles, and the Jingang jing jizhu in three fascicles, totaling ten works in one hundred and fifty-three fascicles. Daoshi composed a great many works. His end is unknown. Because his personal name avoided the temple taboo of Taizong, his courtesy name was widely used, and so he was called Xuanyun in his day.