CHINESE SUPERSTITIONS - University of Oregon

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ARTICLE XXIX.
THE BUDDHIST HOMt WU-WEI
WU-WEI SHEN-SHI 2ffi -jH l[|p f'rli-
The Chinese name of this monk means "the Fearless, the
Undaunted", Wu-wei M ra.
(1). He was of Indian origin, and
renounced a princedom to become a follower of Buddha. In his
native country, he was highly esteemed both for his learning and
his rare virtues, and prodigies attended his preaching of the Law.
He and another companion, named Kin-hang san-tsang ^ pijlj jH He
(2), entered China in the reign of Hsiien-tsung ~i~^ ^
(A. U. 713-
756), of the T'ang Jjtf dynasty. The emperor held him in great
esteem, and said : "you,
who come from afar, where do you desire
to take up your abode?". — The Indian monk replied: "I wish to
reside in the Monastery of Western Brightness" Si-ming-sze ]5f
The Abbot of this monastery, named Hsilen jff, a Doctor of the
Vinaya, Luh-shi ^ ffifi (3), was a strict observer of discipline.
Wu-wei 3te
.B|, on the contrary, indulged in meat diet, and enjoyed
a good glass of wine (4) ; his speech and demeanour were also rather
lax. When deep in his cups, he was tumultuous and upset
all in
(1) Wu-wei ®£^, fearless, unappalled ; a term applied to every Buddha.
Williams. Dictionary of the Chinese Language.
(2) It is much to be regretted that we have not the Indian names of these
2 Buddhist monks. Thanks to Eitel's Sanscrit-Chinese Dictionary, we know
that of the latter. It is Vajramiti. He was of royal descent, and together
with Amogha, introduced into China the Yogachara or Tantra system.
Eitel. Sanscrit-Chinese Dictionary, p. 159.
(3) Luh flt, a statute, :
a law used by Buddhists for discipline, ascetic
rules, the Vinaya. Shi ffiji, a teacher, a master, hence an ascetic Buddhist
Doctor, who followed the strict rules of the Brotherhood. Williams. Dictionary
of the Chinese Language.
(4) The 5th prescription of Buddhism forbids the use of strong or fermented
drinks. Monier Williams. Buddhism, p. 125.