法華傳記 3.14

3.14

Shi Xuanlang, styled Huiming, was of the Fu lineage and a native of the North. Hearing that the calming and insight (zhiguan) of Tiantai Zhiyi unified the Buddha's teachings, originating from Nāgārjuna and transmitted midway through Nanyue Huisi, he traced and investigated the stream of the Dharma. He resided at Qingtai Monastery, being an elder statesman of the Dharma door and eyes and feet for the cool pond [of nirvāṇa]. His career was lecturing on the Buddha Vehicle. Whenever he occupied the lecture hall, opening the texts and sentences, he would sigh silently and say: "Observing their principles, they subtly accord with the Buddha; but examining the phrasing, there are parts that lack proper order. The holy intention is difficult to fathom; I merely believe with veneration." The listeners frequently urged and petitioned him, saying: "Those of sharp faculties awaken easily, but those of middling and lower faculties miss the meaning; if you would kindly arrange them in sequence, the widespread benefit would be immense." Lang considered this repeatedly, single-mindedly contemplating the Great Master and praying for divine confirmation whether it was permissible. In a dream, a divine monk pointed to him, saying: "Zhiyi possessed unhindered eloquence and took pleasure in preaching like a torrent; Zhang'an Guanding recorded his words in haste and did not capture everything from beginning to end. In the presence of the Buddha King of Emptiness, you both listened to this scripture; today on Gṛdhrakūṭa, you were both in the assembly. Aided by roots planted in previous lives, help to fan the mysterious breeze! Make further additions and deletions to accord with the assembly's sentiments; all three types of faculties will benefit, and the enrichment will be vast." Moved by what he experienced in the dream, he only then systematized the arrangement according to what was fitting for their needs. Such was the sympathetic resonance of Master Lang's lecturing on the Lotus. (Xinlu)