大宋僧史略 2.28

2.28

In the methods of the Western Regions, high respect is accorded to such persons. This is the same for both inner and outer traditions, and exists for both the orthodox and the heterodox. In the past, a Nirgrantha who believed in Brahmanical teachings was enfeoffed as National Preceptor by his king. For the inner [tradition], one whose learning penetrates the Tripiṭaka, who also masters the five sciences, and to whom the entire realm takes refuge—only then is this title manifested. As the vocal teachings gradually spread east, in the Northern Qi there was only the eminent monk Fachang: he initially expounded the vinaya, gaining fame in Ye; later he lectured on the Mahāparinirvāṇa-sūtra and received instructions on meditation and computation. The king of Qi venerated him as National Preceptor; the title of National Preceptor began with Master Chang. Coming down to the Chen and Sui dynasties, there was Dhyāna Master Zhiyi of Tiantai, who served as Bodhisattva-precept Master for Emperor Xuan of the Chen and Emperor Yang of the Sui; thus at that time he was called National Preceptor (though without formal enfeoffment or appointment). By the court of Zetian, Shenxiu led disciples in Jingzhou and was summoned into the capital; under the four reigns of Zhong[zong], Rui[zong], and Xuan[zong], he was always called National Preceptor. Later there was Huizhong of the Chan school; during the Suzong and Daizong eras, he entered the imperial palace to preach the methods of Chan contemplation, and was also called National Preceptor. In the Yuanhe era, an imperial edict appointed Zhixuan, designating him National Preceptor Wuda. As for regional hegemonic kingdoms: the Last Ruler of Shu granted Guangye, Buddhist Registrar of the Right Street, the title National Preceptor Yousheng; Wuyue called Deshao National Preceptor; and the Southern Tang kingdom appointed Wensui as Grand Guide of the State. (The title "Guide" embodies two meanings: as in the Lotus Sūtra, where merchants address the guide, this refers to leading the way and directing; or as in masters who chant and lead, this refers to public declaration. Thus when King Hengyang of the Song governed Jiangling, because there was no guide at a vegetarian feast, he invited Tanguang to act as guide; and when Emperor Ming held an assembly, he saw that Guang chanted and led with excellence, and imperially bestowed upon him three robes, a water flask, and an alms bowl.)