釋門自鏡錄 1.29

1.29

Formerly, in the Western Regions, there was a treatise master named Vimalamitra, rendered in Tang [Chinese] as Wugouyou ('Immaculate Friend'). He was a man of the country of Kaśmīra, and had gone forth into renunciation in the Sarvāstivāda school. He had a comprehensive mastery of the Hīnayāna, and his renown sped throughout the five Indias. On his way returning to his native country, he halted by the stūpa of the treatise master Saṃghabhadra. Stroking [the stūpa], he sighed and said: 'Only this treatise master possessed an elegant capacity, pure and lofty, praising and expounding the great principles! Just as he was about to crush the divergent schools and establish the legacy of our own tradition, how could his allotted years not have been long? I, Vimalamitra, have unworthily inherited this late learning. In a different age I have yearned for his righteousness; across generations I cherish his virtue. Although Vasubandhu has passed away, the study of his tradition is still transmitted. Exhausting all that I know, I shall compose various treatises, so that all students in Jambudvīpa will cut off the designation of Mahāyāna and obliterate the name of Vasubandhu!' When he had finished speaking these words, madness arose in his mind. Five tongues came forth in succession, and boiling blood welled up and flowed out. Knowing his life was bound to end, he wrote a letter in repentance, saying: 'The Mahāyāna teachings are the ultimate exposition among the Buddha's teachings. Their names and phrasing surpass expression, and their principle and doctrine are profound and occult. Rashly, out of my foolishness, I refuted the advanced predecessors. The retributive response is plain to see; it is right that my body be destroyed. I make bold to announce to students: let your mirror of reflection be right here! Each of you, be cautious with your resolve, and do not harbour doubt!' Thereupon the great earth quaked, and his life then ended. At the place where he died, the ground sank into a pit. At that time an arhat, upon seeing the place of his death, sighed and said: 'Pitiable! How painful! Now this treatise master, giving rein to passion and clinging to views, defamed the Mahāyāna and has fallen into the Avīci Hell.'