景德傳燈錄 4.8

4.8

The second generation, Chan Master Zhiyan, was a native of Qu’a with the surname Hua. In his youth his wisdom and courage surpassed others, and he stood seven feet six inches tall. During the Daye era of the Sui dynasty he served as a palace commander (langjiang). He always hung a water-straining bag from his bow, drawing and using water wherever he went. He repeatedly followed generals on military campaigns and frequently achieved distinction in battle. During the Wude era of the Tang dynasty, at the age of forty, he finally sought to leave householder life. He entered Mount Wangong in Shuzhou and became a disciple under Chan Master Baoyue. Later, sitting quietly one day, he saw an extraordinary monk over ten feet tall, with a refined, striking demeanor and clear, resonant speech, who said to the master, “You have left householder life for eighty lifetimes; you ought to increase your vigorous progress.” Having spoken, he disappeared. Once while the master was in samādhi within a ravine, the mountain waters suddenly surged in a flood. The master remained serene and unmoved, and the waters receded on their own. A hunter encountered him and, because of this, reformed his faults and cultivated goodness. There were also two men who had formerly served in the army with him; hearing of his retreat into seclusion, they entered the mountains together to seek him out. Having met him, they asked the master, “Is the palace commander mad? Why do you live here?” He replied, “My madness is about to sober up, while your madness is just breaking out. Craving sensual forms, dissolute sounds, and greedy for glory and favor, when will you ever escape transmigrating through birth and death?” Deeply moved and enlightened, the two men sighed and departed. In the seventeenth year of Zhenguan, the master returned to Jianye and entered Mount Niutou. He had an audience with Chan Master Rong, who illuminated the great matter for him. The Chan master said to the master, “I received the true essential instruction from Great Master Daoxin, and everything that was attained has vanished. Even if there were a dharma that surpassed nirvāṇa, I would say it too is like a dream or an illusion. When a single speck of dust flies, it veils the sky; when a single mustard seed drops, it covers the earth. You have now surpassed this view; what more can I say? The guidance and teaching of this mountain monastery should be entrusted to you.” The master received the transmission and became the second generation. Later, he entrusted the correct Dharma to Chan Master Fang. He resided at the two monasteries of Baima and Qixuan, and later moved to reside at Shitoucheng. On the tenth day of the first month in the second year of Yifeng, he manifested extinction. His complexion remained unchanged, and his limbs were as flexible as when he was alive. A rare fragrance filled the room, unceasing for ten days. In his final words, he instructed that his body be given a water burial. He lived seventy-eight years and had been a monk for thirty-nine years.