Pictorial Biography of the Venerable Master

HSU YUN

Continued from issue #45

By
TRIPITAKA MASTER HSUAN HUA
Translated by Disciple Bhiksu Heng Yo
Illustrated by a Student of Prajna

SPEAKS DHARMA TO CROSS OVER HIS TWO WIVES #14

When the Master arrived home, it was feared that he would again escape, so he was sent with his first cousin Fu Kuo to Ch'uan Chou. His father formally received brides from the T'ien and T'an families for the Master, and the Master's marriage was completed. The Master however, had already realized the emptiness of form. He held no view of a self or others, and had not the slightest thought of desire; he was clear of mind and pure in body. Therefore, although they dwelt together, he remained undefiled. Moreover, the Master extensively explained the Buddhadharma for the two women so that they became disciples of the Buddha.

The Gatha says:

Sleeping together and dwelling together,
          he complied with the vulgar world.

With a single-minded lone intent,
          he sought enlightenment.

But since there was no defilement,
          his wives were pure companions;

Both in the world and out of it
          he was a master, tamer.

To be continued