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Danxia, whose birthplace and family are unknown, studied the Confucian classics and planned to take the civil service examination in the capital, Ch'ang-an. On the way there he met a Ch'an monk, who asked him what his goal was. “I've decided to become a functionary, said Danxia. “What does the decision to become a functionary amount to compared with the decision to become a buddha?” replied the monk. “Where can I go if I want to become a buddha?” Danxia then asked. The monk suggested that he seek out the great Ch'an master Ma-tsu Tao-i (Jap., Baso Doitsu), whereupon Danxia unhesitatingly set out to do so.