大唐西域記 8.30

8.30

論師，三摩呾吒國之王族，婆羅門之種也。少好學，有風操，遊諸印度，詢求明哲。至此國那爛陀僧伽藍，遇護法菩薩，聞法信悟。請服染衣，諮以究竟之致，問以解脫之路，既窮至理，亦究微言，名擅當時，聲高異域。南印度有外道，探𦣱索隱，窮幽洞微，聞護法高名，起我慢深嫉，不阻山川，擊鼓求論，曰：「我，南印度之人也。承王國內有大論師，我雖不敏，願與詳議。」王曰：「有之，誠如議也。」乃命使臣請護法曰：「南印度有外道，不遠千里，來求較論，唯願降跡，赴集論場。」護法聞已，攝衣將往。門人戒賢者，後進之翹楚也，前進請曰：「何遽行乎？」護法曰：「自慧日潛暉，傳燈寂照，外道蟻聚，異學蜂飛，故我今者，將摧彼論。」戒賢曰：「恭聞餘論，敢摧異道。」護法知其俊也，因而允焉。是時戒賢年甫三十，眾輕其少，恐難獨任。護法知眾心之不平，乃解之曰：「有貴高明，無云齒歲，以今觀之，破彼必矣。」逮乎集論之日，遠近相趨，少長咸萃。外道弘闡大猷，盡其幽致；戒賢循理責實，深極幽玄。外道辭窮，蒙恥而退。王用酬德，封此邑城。論師辭曰：「染衣之士，事資知足，清淨自守，何以邑為？」王曰：「法王晦迹，智舟淪湑，不有旌別，無勵後學。為弘正法，願垂哀納。」論師辭不獲已，受此邑焉，便建伽藍，窮諸規矩，捨其邑戶，式修供養。

There was a heretic of South India who delighted in examining profound questions and searching out hidden matters, in penetrating obscure and abstruse points of doctrine. Hearing of Dharmapala's fame, the pride of self rose up within him, and, moved by profound envy, he passed over mountains and rivers in order to sound the drum and seek discussion. He said, "I am a man of Southern India. It is reported that in the king's country there is a great master of sastras; I am but ignorant, yet I would wish to discuss with him." "It is true, as you affirm," the king said; and forthwith he sent a messenger to ask Dharmapala thus: "There is a heretic of Southern India who has come from a long distance here, and desires to discuss with you. Will you condescend to come to the hall of assembly and discuss with him?" Dharmapala having heard the tidings, gathered up his garments and went, whilst Silabhadra and the inferior disciples surrounded him as he advanced. Then Silabhadra (the chief disciple) addressed him thus: "Whither goest thou so quickly?" Dharmapala answered, "Since the sun of wisdom went down, and only the lamp of the inherited doctrine burns quietly, the heretics like clouds of ants and bees have risen; therefore I am now going to crush that one in discussion." Silabhadra said, "As I have myself attended at various discussions, let me destroy this heretic." Dharmapala, knowing his history, allowed him to have his way.

South-west of the convent of Guṇamati about 20 li we come to a solitary hill on which is a convent called (the sanghārāma of) Śīlabhadra (Shi-lo-p'o-t'o-lo). This is the convent which the master of śāstras after his victory caused to be built out of the funds of a village which were given up. It stands by the side of a single sharp crag like a stūpa. It contains some sacred relics of Buddha. This master of śāstras belonged to the family of the king of Samataṭa (San-mo-ta-ch'a), and was of the Brahman caste. He loved learning and had gained a wide reputation. Travelling through the Indies to examine into and seek after religious truth, he came to this kingdom, and in the sanghārāma of Nālanda (Na-lan-t'o) he encountered Dharmapāla Bodhisattva (Hu-fa-p'u-sa). Hearing him explain the law, his understanding was opened, and he requested to become a disciple. He inquired into the most subtle questions, and investigated the way of deliverance to its conclusion; and thus having reached the highest point of intelligence, he established his fame over men of his time, even to distant countries.