Based on the favorable assessment found in the Xu gaoseng zhuan’s 続高僧伝 biography of Xuanzang and other evidence, it has been said that Daoxuan (道宣, 596–667) and Xuanzang had a good relationship. However, in the Datang neidian lu 大唐内典録, written by Daoxuan in his later years, Daoxuan does not speak highly of Xuanzang’s doctrinal studies. Here, Hongfusi Lingrun 弘福寺霊潤 is a key figure. Lingrun was the first person to argue against Xuanzang’s new sūtra and Abhidharma translations. Lingrun’s biography is found in the fifteenth volume of the Xu gaoseng zhuan. Therein, Daoxuan praises Lingrun three times. Furthermore, unusually for the Xu gaoseng zhuan, he introduces and offers high praise for Lingrun’s doctrinal thought, stating that he “correctly understands the Mahāyāna Nirvāṇa-sūtra.” Moreover, Lingrun was involved in the selection of the leadership of the Ximingsi (built in 658, Xianqing 顕慶 3), and Daoxuan was chosen as its head. From this we can see that Daoxuan supported Lingrun in the debates between the latter and Xuanzang’s disciples.
