神僧傳 8.36

8.36

Shi Yinfeng, whose secular surname was Deng, was a native of Shaowu in Jianzhou. In his early years he was wild and unruly, refusing to obey his parents' wishes; he renounced household life and received the monastic teachings. In the Yuanhe reign, he set out to travel to Mount Wutai, his path taking him through Huaxi. It coincided with Wu Yuanji raising troops in rebellion against the imperial court. The government forces engaged the rebels in combat, with victory yet undecided. Feng said: "I shall go and resolve their slaughter." He then threw his monk's staff into the air and flew gently after it, passing between the battle lines of the two armies. The soldiers on both sides watched the monk soaring, and unconsciously sheathed their lances and cased their blades. After that, he traveled throughout all sacred sites. Suddenly, in front of the Diamond Cavern, he died standing on his head, tall and erect as a planted post. At the time it was debated that before the sacred cavern he should be lifted away to be cremated; yet he stood resolute as a mountain, unmoving even when all combined their strength. Observers from far and near marveled at the rarity of the spectacle. Feng had a younger sister who was a nun; she entered Wutai, glared at him, and scolded: "Old brother, formerly you did not follow the monastic rules, and even in death you bewilder people! The assembly now already knows. Though I am your kin, how could I harbor any second thought? Pray follow the constant norm!" She lightly pushed him with her hand, and he collapsed with a thud. Thereupon they cremated him and collected his relics into a pagoda; he was known as Deng Yinfeng. He left behind a verse that ran: / "A single-stringed lute I pluck for you; / Pines and cypresses stay ever green, uncowed by cold. / Though mixed together with the ore, the nature of gold is distinct; / You may take it before yourself and examine it as you will."