南嶽總勝集 3.22

3.22

Xie Xiutong was a man of Yichun. By nature he was gentle and elegant, and had no liking for adornments. When he heard of good, he rejoiced; when he saw evil, he shrank from it as if testing boiling water. He served his mother with utmost filial devotion, always keeping a pleased countenance. One night he dreamt of a person wearing a Daoist cap and coarse garments who said, 'Your bone structure is extraordinary; why do you not leave home to study the Way?' He thereupon told his mother, and his mother consented. He then went to Nanyue, joined Pan Rusong of Hengyue Abbey to become a Daoist, and registered his residence there. Thereupon he roamed the five peaks, seeking out numinous traces. One night he dreamt of a divine being who said, 'The cavern-dwelling of Zhuling is not yet meant for your abode; after fifty years you will be able to nest here again. East of here is the Jade Peak Grotto-Heaven and blessed land, which is also the judicial office of Zhuling; you should reside there, where you will meet with fortune.' Thereupon Xiutong returned to inquire after his mother and told her, 'Now we face a lean year, and during bad times it is difficult to provide for your needs, Mother. If you feel inclined, we should go to the Yusi Grotto-Heaven, where we may cultivate ourselves; what do you think?' His mother consented. He then carried his mother in a shoulder-borne litter to Mount Yusi. They lived in a cave for several years, providing delectable offerings of dates, chestnuts, taros, cornelian cherries, Solomon's seal, and lilies. After his mother passed away and the burial was complete, he lived in seclusion for three cycles of twelve years. He encountered the two True Men Mei and Xiao, who transmitted the Way to him. After practicing it, he shed his mortal form like a cicada in the eastern corner of the Qingxu Lodge, and returned again to Nanyue, concealing his true nature at Donglingyuan. It was indeed fifty years later.