廣弘明集 6.32

6.32

A native of Langya. He was skilled in literature, fond of drinking wine, and uninhibited, paying no heed to minor conduct. During the Yuanjia era of the Song, he was promoted to Minister of Ceremonies. The śramaṇa Huilin was appreciated by Emperor Taizu on account of his exceptional talent and learning, and was frequently granted the etiquette of a private couch. Yanzhi was jealous of him and said: 'This seat of the Three Excellencies—how can it be occupied by someone who has suffered mutilation?' The Emperor changed countenance.

Yi described him as a famous scholar; this shows what he was like. Because Huilin was favoured by Emperor Wen, while Yanzhi was not an official capable of governance, he was jealous and mocked him. Once he was no longer involved in the court, he retired to his village. His son Jun became the Inspector of Yangzhou; when he returned home in a high carriage, Yanzhi carried a staff, stepped aside, and mocked him. He did not engage in household management, wore plain clothes, ate vegetarian food, and roamed the countryside alone. Contemporary talents considered him uninvolved with the worthy ministers of the court and beyond the reach of public discussion. Was it not because he was denied the honour of the private couch that he envied Huilin and called him a mutilated person?

The rest is as evaluated in the Treatise on Reaching the Nature. However, Lord Yan composed treatises with immense praise and admiration, such as the Treatise on the Buddha's Shadow and Footprints, the Treatise on the Buddha's Ushnīsha, Teeth, and Nails, the Treatise on the Buddha's Robe, Bowl, and Staff, and the Treatise on the Buddha's Two Carpets. Were it not so, why would all these treatises be established as models by exceptionally talented figures? His words about 'mutilation' were merely a momentary slight against Huilin. His four treatises are all found in the Continued Treatise on the Dharma by Lu Cheng of the Song.