華嚴經傳記 4.21

4.21

Shi Mingyao's surname is unknown. He left the household when young and often traveled and resided with Dhyāna Master Jietuo, serving him as master and friend. He was humble, gentle, and compliant; a look of pleasure or anger was never seen on his face. He constantly read the Lotus Sūtra and also perused the Avataṃsaka Sūtra, the scroll never leaving his hands. As he grew old, he became even more earnest. He was seven feet tall, and his speech was cadence-rich and clear. He also relied on Dhyāna Master Jietuo to practice the Foguang contemplation. Once, abstaining from grains, he followed Jietuo to Dafusi to pray to Mañjuśrī. Arriving north of Huayuan, they encountered an eminent master whose appearance and attire were extraordinary, emerging from the Valley of the Prince Burning His Body. He walked straight forward unhurriedly, and upon reaching the south of the Eastern Buddha Hall of Dafusi, was about to head east. Mingyao, leaping with joy and trembling with awe, stepped forward at that time, hoping to personally bow to his feet and exhaust his sincere reverence. Before he was within a few feet of him, the figure suddenly vanished. He sighed in grief for a long time, and redoubled his diligent efforts. When the śramaṇa Huiyi of Huichangsi in the Western Capital went to Mount Wutai pursuant to imperial edict, he personally bowed his head in reverence to Mingyao. At that time, Mingyao was one hundred and six years old, yet his vigor had not declined. It is unknown where he ended his days.