36 Origins of a Military Tradition
tains (in central Asia), the person who has attained the highest understanding
of meditation is you.”^58 However, Zhang Zhuo’s anecdote concerns not Seng-
chou’s profundity of meditation, but his fighting skills:
The Northern Qi (550–577) monk Chou (Sengchou) came from Ye
(today’s Anyang, Henan). In his childhood he shaved his head and
became a novice. His classmates were numerous. Whenever they had
free time they would practice wrestling and pouncing for entertain-
ment. Because the Dhyâna Master (Sengchou) was weak they bullied
him. One after another they abused him and beat him up.
The Dhyâna Master was ashamed of this. He entered the hall and
shut its gate behind him. Clinging to Vajrapâÿi’s feet, he addressed the
god with the following vow: “Because I am frail, my fellow novices
despise me. My humiliation is too great. It would be better to die. You
are famous for your strength, so you are the one to help me. I will hang
on to your feet for seven days. If you do not endow me with strength, I
am sure to die right here rather than renounce my pledge.”
Having pronounced this vow, he proceeded to beseech the god
most earnestly. During the first two nights his dedication to his purpose
grew stronger. During the sixth night, just before dawn, Vajrapâÿi was
revealed to him. In his hands the god held a large bowl, full to the brim
with sinews-flesh.
“Boy!” he said to Chou. “Do you wish to become strong?”
“I do.”
“Are you determined?”
“I am.”
Can you eat sinews-flesh?”
“I cannot.”
“Why?” inquired the deity.
“Monks are supposed to renounce meat.”
In response, the god lifted his bowl, and with his knife proceeded
to force the sinews-flesh upon Sengchou. At first the Dhyâna Master
refused to accept, but when the god threatened him with his vajra club
(jin’gang chu), he was so terrified that he did eat. In a short while he
finished his meal, whereupon the god said to him: “Now, you are already
extremely strong. However, you should fully uphold the [Buddhist]
teachings, Beware!”
Since it was already daylight, Sengchou returned to his room. His
fellow novices all interrogated him: “Scumbag! Where have you been
just now?!” Chou did not answer. In a short while they all went to the
hall for their common meal. After eating, they again entertained
themselves with fighting. The Dhyâna Master said: “I have strength now.
I suspect not the same kind as yours.” Then he flexed his arms, revealing
his powerful sinews and bones. He looked practically like a god.