神僧傳 8.12

8.12

Shi Xuanzong had the secular surname of Wu and was a native of Yongjia. When young, he left worldly dust, his bearing magnanimous and lenient. At the Baoshou Cloister on Mount Yongding in his home commandery, he took Changjing as his teacher. Having received the full precepts, he traveled to various regions to study. Reaching Jiangling, he went to the gate of Chan Master Lang to resolve his doubts. Striking his staff, he traveled elsewhere; seeing Mount Zijin, his heart was pleased with it, and he remained there to practice Chan contemplation. Previously, this mountain had many violent tigers, which would either devour traveling merchants or injure woodcutters. From the time Xuanzong chose to dwell there, their roars ceased entirely, and those entering the mountain had no fear. One day, when his Chan followers gathered around, they saw an old man hurry forward to the seat, bowing and prostrating with diligence and respect. Xuanzong asked: 'Who are you, sir?' He replied: 'I was originally a tiger. In this mountain I devoured living beings. Because the Great Master converted [this place], my mind was invisibly transformed, and I was able to shed my karmic body. Having already been reborn in the heavenly realm, I have come to express my gratitude.' In the space of turning around, he was nowhere to be seen. In the second year of the Dali era, taking leave of his disciples with final instructions, he passed away suddenly at the age of eighty-six. In the second month, he was entombed in a stūpa, and a stele was erected, which still survives.