大明高僧傳 2.17

2.17

Shi Deqian was styled Fuyuan, surnamed Yang, a native of Dingping in Ningzhou. As a boy, he was a novice and was fond of chanting Buddhist scriptures. When he grew slightly older, he traveled through Qin, Luo, Bian, and Ru, crossing north of the Yellow River to the lands of Qi, Wei, Yan, and Zhao to visit and consult former virtuous masters. First, he received the Prajñā from Master Ning of Binzhou; studied the Ruijing from Master Zhong of Yuanzhou; received the Youzan from Master Xian of Haozhi; learned the Awakening of Pure Faith from Master Yi of Qianling; investigated treatises such as the Vijñaptimātra and the Abhidharmakośa under Master Ke of Shanzhou; and heard the Śūraṅgama and the commentary on the Four-Part Vinaya from Master Wen of Yangxia. In all, six sūtras, four treatises, and one vinaya—with their vast expressions and profound purports—plumbed the depths of the Tripiṭaka. And these masters were all renowned far and wide for their knowledge of the Dharma and understanding of the doctrine; Qian directly absorbed their influence and unfailingly attained their way. Later, he arrived at the Capital and received the Avataṃsaka from the Altar Master of Wan'an, the Grand Minister of Education. First, an edict ordered him to dwell at Wanning Temple; he then moved to Chong'en, for a total of twelve years. His virtue and conduct were appreciated in the emperor's heart, and his fame spread overseas, yet he never altered his resolve because of honour or patronage. He often said: 'A man in patchwork robes stands above the worldly realm. If one has no shame regarding hearing the Way in the morning and dying in the evening, what else is there to long for?' Considering that he had long occupied a great monastery and had long enjoyed imperial grace, he regarded only tranquil retirement as noble. He thus yielded the master's seat to his disciples, dwelling himself in seclusion, cutting off worldly affairs, and keeping to himself in a single room, so as to brighten what is bright and delight in what brings joy—living in the world while leaving the world behind. On the twenty-sixth day of the first month in the fourth year of Yanyou of the Yuan [1317], he manifested quiescence. The Emperor bestowed fifty strings of cash for the funeral expenses and ordered the authorities to provide a ceremonial escort with banners, pennants, and music to see him off to the cremation. Several dozen śarīra were retrieved, and a stūpa was erected in the southern corner of the city. His worldly age was fifty-one; his dharma age was forty-three.