宋高僧傳 6.6

6.6

Shi Huaigan was a man of unknown origins. Resolute and unyielding in conduct, he applied himself diligently under his teacher; if an interpretation did not penetrate into the divine, he did not consider it mastered. Like-minded companions from all quarters gathered around him like clouds at a market. Yet he alone did not believe that by reciting the Buddha's name for a short time, one could be directly reborn in the Land of Peace and Sustenance (Sukhāvatī). With the ice of doubt still unmelted, he went to visit Shandao to resolve his hesitation. Shandao said: 'When you transmit the teachings to save people, do you preach after having faith, or is it vague and without foundation?' Gan said: 'These are the sincere words of all the Buddhas; without faith, I would not preach.' Shandao said: 'If it is as you see it, instructing people to recite the Buddha's name for rebirth—could that be the teaching of Māra? If you believe it, recite the Buddha's name with utmost sincerity, and there will surely be verification.' Huaigan thereupon entered the bodhimaṇḍa for three weeks, but saw no auspicious signs. Regretting his heavy karmic obstructions, Gan wished to end his life by fasting. Shandao did not permit it, and instead had him apply himself devoutly to reciting the Buddha's name for three years. Later, he suddenly experienced an auspicious sign, beholding a golden-colored jade-like white curl (ūrṇā), and thereupon realized the Buddha-recitation samādhi. Lamenting with sorrow that his past defilements and karmic baggage were heavy and that he had falsely conceived numerous faults, he repented and exposed his wrongs, and composed the Treatise Resolving Doubts in seven rolls (which is the Qunyi lun). When his end drew near, a transformed Buddha indeed came to welcome him; joining his palms and facing west, he departed.