Yixing

The Tang period monk Yixing (一行; 673/683–727) is known as an astronomer, calendar reformer, Yijing (易經) specialist, and eminent Buddhist monk with expertise in Chan, Mantrayāna, and the Vinaya. In the Buddhist context he is best known for his role in translating the Mahāvairocana Sūtra and later writing the definitive commentary to that text. In the secular context, he is known for reforming the state calendar. As a result of these historical roles, in the late Tang there emerged a legendary image of Yixing as an adept astrologer and practitioner of astral magic, with several astrological texts attributed to him.