法苑珠林 53.26

53.26

In Chang'an during the Jin, there was Shi Sengrui, a native of Changle in Weijun. He was widely versed in sūtras and treatises, possessing a sharp intellect and debating ability that few could match. Yao Xing and Yao Song accorded him extraordinary courtesy and respect. Xing asked Song, "How is the Venerable Rui?" Song answered, "He is truly the pine and cypress of Ye and Wei." Xing ordered an audience with him, wishing to observe his talents and capacities. Rui's demeanor was unrestrained, and the words he uttered were refined and elegant. Xing was greatly pleased and impressed, and immediately ordered that he be provided with an official stipend, clerks, and a litter carried by servants. Xing later said to Song, "He is a leader of the four seas; how could he merely be the pine and cypress of Ye and Wei?" Thereupon his fine reputation spread far and wide, and people from near and far turned to his virtue. The scriptures translated by [Kumāra]jīva were all inspected and emended by Rui. Formerly, when Zhu Fahu translated the *Zheng fahua jing* (Saddharmapuṇḍarīka-sūtra), coming to the Chapter on Receiving Prophecy, it read, "Deities see humans, and humans see deities." When Jīva translated the sūtra to this point, he said, "These words agree in meaning with the Western Regions, but the phrasing is overly plain." Rui said, "Could it not be: 'Humans and deities intermingle, both being able to see each other'?" Jīva rejoiced and said, "Indeed it is so!" His discernment and insights were all of this kind. Jīva sighed and said, "That in my transmission and translation of sūtras and treatises I have been able to meet you leaves me truly with no regrets!" [Rui] composed prefaces to the *Dazhidu lun*, the *Shi'ermen lun*, the *Zhong lun*, and other treatises, and also composed prefaces to the *Large Perfection of Wisdom Sūtra*, the *Lotus Sūtra*, the *Vimalakīrti-nirdeśa*, the *Viśeṣacintibrahma-paripṛcchā*, and the *Meditation Sūtra*, all of which circulate in the world. Rui promoted and praised the scriptural teachings, constantly dedicating this karma with the vow to be reborn in the Land of Peace and Sustenance (Sukhāvatī). Thereupon, on the day of his death, he entered his room, bathed, burned incense, made prostrations, and returned to his bed. Facing the west with joined palms, he passed away. On that day, everyone in the same monastery saw five-colored fragrant smoke emerging from Rui's room. He was sixty-seven years of age.