傳法正宗記 6.14

6.14

Venerable Daoxin: his ancestors originally lived in Henai, and later moved to Guangji County in Qiyang. When Xin was born, he thus became a man of Qi. His surname was Sima. In the twelfth year, the renzi year, of the Kaihuang era of the Sui, as a novice monk he visited Venerable Sengcan; upon their dialogue he awakened to the Way, and thereupon faced north to serve him as master. After nine years in all, he received his transmission of the Dharma and conferring of the robe. During the Daye era of the Sui, the Venerable once traveled south to Luling. It happened that the bandit leader Cao Wuwei besieged the city with troops for seventy days without relenting. The Venerable therefore urged the people in the city all to recite Mahāprajñāpāramitā. The bandits suddenly saw men on the battlements numbering no fewer than several thousands, all over a zhang tall, their armor of golden color shining brilliantly against the sun. The bandits were terrified and said to one another, “In this city there must be a person of great blessings and virtue; it cannot be attacked.” That very day, they withdrew. In the seventh year of the Wude era of the Tang, he again went north and resided at Mount Potou in Qi (now called Mount Shuangfeng), greatly propagating the Dharma he had attained. Scholars from the four quarters flocked to him like people rushing to market at midday. During the Zhenguan era, Taizong heard of his reputation and summoned him three times, but the Venerable declined each time and did not rise. Summoning him again, Taizong said to the envoy, “If he still does not obey my command this time, bring his head.” When the edict arrived, [Daoxin] indeed went against the imperial will; the Venerable straightaway stretched out his neck to await the blade. The envoy returned and reported this to the throne. Taizong praised his steadfast uprightness and comforted and encouraged him lavishly. By this time, the Venerable had already resided on the mountain for twenty years. One day, on the way to Huangmei County, he suddenly saw a boy with fine bones and eyes, about seven years of age. He was amazed in his heart and asked him, saying, “What is your surname?” [The boy] replied, saying, “I have a surname, but it is no ordinary surname.” [Daoxin] asked, “What surname is it?” [The boy] replied, saying, “It is the Buddha surname.” [Daoxin] said, “Do you have no surname?” [The boy] replied, saying, “Because the surname is empty.” The Venerable looked back at his attendants and said, “This child is no ordinary vessel; later he will greatly promote Buddha affairs.” He then sent someone to accompany him to see his parents, telling of the child’s extraordinary responses and wishing to have him go forth. His parents consented. When the child returned with the monk, the Venerable shaved his head and ordained him, naming him Hongren. Later, he instructed him, saying, “In the past, the Tathāgata transmitted the True Dharma-eye, which was handed down to me. I now confer it upon you along with the former patriarchs' robe and bowl of trust. Take them all. Strive in their transmission; do not let them be severed. Listen to my verse:”