華嚴經傳記 2.4

2.4

The clan and family origins of the monk Faye are unknown. In his youth he possessed a demeanor that transcended the worldly, casting aside dust and defilement like worn slippers. Leaving household life when young, his bearing was refined and upright. In learning he had no fixed teacher; widely erudite and of profound reflection, he was esteemed by his contemporaries. Although he had read through all the various collections, he always considered that in illuminating the ultimate and plumbing the subtle, he was still delightfully unsatisfied. Later, meeting the Indian śramaṇa Buddhabhadra, he requested the translation of the Avataṃsaka [Sūtra], personally acting as scribe and consulting with him on the doctrinal principles without lapse day or night. After several years, he had a vast awakening. Turning to his friend, he said, "The south-pointing compass of the sacred teachings lies right here!" Having received the Sanskrit text in person and being exquisitely refined, people came in succession day after day to honor the lineage and inquire into teachings. Thereupon he expounded the profound import, becoming a preeminent master. Several hundred monks, including the śramaṇa Tanbin, submitted themselves with reverence and respectfully received his elegant instructions. The grand teaching's first source began with Faye. Because the rare sound was only just beginning to open, he had no leisure to exhaust every detail, but merely set forth the broad outlines. He composed the Zhigui (Aim of the Doctrine) in two fascicles, which circulates in the world. Later, his end was unknown. The ancient worthies omitted his pure example, which is lamentable indeed.