宋高僧傳 8.35

8.35

Shi Zang's secular surname was Wang, and he was a native of Zhaojun. His father served as a clerk in Bozhou. In early youth he sought a master, manifestly yearning for the Dharma, and by nature he loved solitude. Qiao was rife with violent spirits that bewitched people. At the age of seven, Zang would stay alone in empty rooms or solitary in desolate wastes, never showing the least fear. As he grew older, he showed himself even more outstanding, which was why he was titled 'Xiangmo' (Demon-Subduing) Zang. He requested to be enrolled among the novices under Chan Master Mingzan at Guangfu Cloister. The master, sensing he was a vessel of the Dharma, tested him; Zang's responses were fluent and eloquent, extending beyond the questions. Thereupon the master kept him for attendant duties, where he served diligently and received the Dharma, and had him recite the Lotus Sūtra; in barely a month he mastered the entire work. He was forthwith shaved, received the full precepts, and studied the vinaya. Next he lectured on the Treatise of the Southern School, and his great potential was about to manifest. Soon he set aside the deer-tail flywhisk; there was hardly a sacred trace throughout the Nine Provinces that he did not ascend. Later he encountered the Northern School at its peak and vowed to dwell under its shelter. Xiu asked him, 'Your name is Xiangmo; I have no mountain sprites or tree demons here, so have you come to play the demon instead?' Zang said, 'Where there is a Buddha, there is a demon.' Xiu said, 'If you are a demon, you must abide in an inconceivable realm.' Zang replied, 'Even the Buddha is empty—what inconceivable is there?' The assembly at that time all marveled at him and revered him. Previously, Master Xiu had foretold: 'You have an affinity with the lands of Shaohao.' Soon after, he entered Mount Tai for several years; scholars gathered like clouds, and offerings were abundant and sufficient, placing him second only to Master Lang of the Jinyu Valley in his conversion of people. One day, he told his disciples, 'I am old and decrepit now; when things reach their extreme they return to their origin, and this is truly the time.' Having spoken, he passed away at the age of ninety-one.