釋氏要覽 1.104

1.104

The Brief History of the Saṅgha says: Formerly in the Western Regions there was a Nirgrantha-putra who thoroughly mastered the Tripiṭaka and also penetrated the five sciences. The entire country took refuge in him, whereupon this title became renowned. In this land, it began with the eminent monk Fachang of the Northern Qi, who expounded the vinaya and nirvāṇa, and was versed in the methods of dhyāna; the Lord of Qi revered him as National Preceptor. In the Tang, Shenxiu was summoned by Zetian and was titled National Preceptor across four reigns. Huizhong entered the inner palace during the two reigns of Suzong and Daizong to preach Chan, and was titled National Preceptor. In the Yuanhe era, an imperial decree appointed Zhixuan as National Preceptor Wuda (at the age of five Xuan could compose poetry; he went forth as a śrāmaṇera, and at age fourteen lectured on the Nirvāṇa Sūtra. At that time Li Shangyin presented him with a poem saying: 'A fourteen-year-old śrāmaṇera understands how to lecture on sūtras; / older monks only carry the water-pitcher. / The śrāmaṇera preaches the Dharma while the śramaṇas listen; / greatness lies not in advanced years but in spiritual intelligence'). As for the separate hegemonies: the Latter Ruler of Shu bestowed upon the Recorder of the Saṅgha Guangye the title National Preceptor Yousheng. Wuyue addressed Deshao of Tiantai as National Preceptor. The Southern Tang appointed Wensui as Grand Leader of the State (for wider knowledge, please read the Brief History of the Saṅgha).