大明高僧傳 4.7

4.7

Shi Zhenjie was styled Su'an. He was a native of Xiangyang. In his youth he was a student of the commandery school. Suddenly his past wholesome roots sprouted within, and he at once took leave of his beloved kin, bowing to Venerable Mingxiu to shave his hair. Afterwards, he traveled north to the capital, visiting lecture seats everywhere. Sitting under Dharma Master Xiu, he fully tasted the joy of the Dharma and profoundly attained the seal of Xianshou. The Master's learning was abundant in both the inner and outer teachings; all quarters consistently praised him as an elephant and dragon among men. After a long while, carrying his staff, he returned south to Jinling, coming forth to preside over Qixia on Mount She. His assembly exceeded three hundred, and his teachings encompassed the five vehicles. For more than thirty years he occupied the lion seat and struck the great Dharma drum. With the surplus of donations, he expanded the land to build lodgings. At that time, Minister of Rites Yin obtained an image of the Great Being of Langya, and Lord Lu of Wutai also cast a golden image; all were entrusted to the Master to be venerated. Vice Commissioner Luo inscribed the plaque as "Yuantong Hermitage." Academician Li Shilu of Gouqu pledged an exceptional friendship beyond worldly conventions with him. The Master expounded the great Dharma without setting time limits. Once, when lecturing on the *Lotus Sūtra* up to the "Chapter on the Many Treasures Stupa," a jeweled stupa suddenly appeared in the void before his seat, exactly as described in the scripture. The fourfold assembly gazed up in reverence, joyful at this rare sight. Palace Envoy Zhang, having arrived under the order of Empress Dowager Cisheng, witnessed this holy auspicious sign together with them. He then brought out a suit of imperial gold-threaded saṅghāṭī robe, proclaimed the benevolent decree, and bestowed it upon him. Right to the west of the lecture hall, a pagoda was constructed to bear witness to the divine transformation. Wang Daokun recorded this event.