集神州三寶感通錄 3.7

3.7

As for the Tangshu Valley Temple of the early Jin in Hezhou: It is located fifty li northwest of present-day Hezhou. Crossing the Fenglin Ford and ascending Changyi Ridge, looking south one sees Mount Jishi, which is the ultimate limit reached by the channeling of waters in the Tribute of Yu. Myriad peaks vie in rising up, each having a distinctive shape: some resemble jeweled stūpas, others multi-storied pavilions; pines and cypresses reflect upon the cliffs, while cinnabar and azure adorn the peaks. Were it not for the divine craftsmanship of nature, how could it be so magnificent and lovely? Walking south for twenty li, one reaches its valley. Rooms were hewn into the mountain, spanning beams channeled water, and the temple was surrounded and filled with flowers, medicinal herbs, fruits, and vegetables. At present monks dwell there. To the south is a stone gate bordering the river, on which is carved an inscription saying that it was established in the Taishi era of the Jin dynasty. In the valley east of the temple is a Heavenly Temple, but thoroughly searching for its location yields no definite spot; the sound of bells is constantly heard, and there are extraordinary monks. Therefore, this valley is called Tangshu, which in the Qiang tongue means 'ghosts and spirits.' Thus, whenever various people in ancient and modern times enter Jishi, they frequently encounter immortals and sages, their traveling paths dim and indistinct, as temples and monks appear before them. On the northeastern ridge a sweet spring gushes forth; it is sweet and white, and those who ingest it do not age.