釋氏要覽 1.94

1.94

僧史略云。唐文宗開成中。始立左右僧錄。即端甫法師為始也。法師德宗召入禁中。與儒道論議。賜紫方袍。令侍大子於東朝。順宗重之若兄弟。憲宗待之若賓友。掌內殿法儀。錄左街僧事。

The Sengshilüe states: "During the Kaicheng era of Emperor Wenzong of the Tang dynasty, monastic registrars of the Left and Right were first established, beginning with Dharma Master Duanfu. Dharma Master Duanfu was summoned into the imperial palace by Emperor Dezong to debate with Confucians and Daoists; he was bestowed a purple square robe and ordered to attend the Crown Prince at the Eastern Palace. Emperor Shunzong respected him like a brother, and Emperor Xianzong treated him like an honored guest and friend. He was in charge of Dharma ceremonies in the inner halls and registered the monastic affairs of the Left Street."