集神州三寶感通錄 3.24

3.24

Furthermore, formerly, before the reign of Emperor Xiaowu of the Eastern Jin, the Śramaṇa Shi Dao'an of Mount Heng, having passed through the turmoil of the Shi-Zhao dynasty, escaped the world in Xiangyang. He wrote commentaries on various scriptures such as the *Prajñā*, *Daoxing*, and *Miji*, resolving doubts and clarifying interpretations across more than twenty fascicles. Fearing they might not accord with reason, he made a vow, saying: ‘If what I have stated does not violate principle, let me behold an auspicious sign.’ He then dreamed of a barbarian man of the Way with white hair and long eyebrows, who spoke to Dao'an, saying: ‘The scriptures you have annotated harmonize exceedingly well with reason. I am not permitted to enter nirvāṇa and dwell in the Western Regions; I shall assist you in widely propagating them. You may set out food [for me] from time to time.’ Later, when the *Daśabhāṇavāra-vinaya* arrived, Master Yuan said: ‘The one whom the Upādhyāya dreamed of was indeed Piṇḍola.’ Thereupon, they set up a seat and offered him food, which subsequently became a perpetual rule.