Biànjī 辯機 (ca. 619 – 649). Early-Táng monk of the Dàzǒngchí sì 大總持寺 (Great Sūtra-Repository Monastery) in Chángān. A disciple of Dàoyuè 道岳 of the Shèlùn school. Selected by Xuánzàng on the latter’s return from India in 645 to serve in the imperial translation bureau at the Hóngfúsì; he was the principal compiler-and-redactor of the Dà Táng Xīyù jì 大唐西域記 (KR2k0137), Xuánzàng’s pilgrimage record, completed and presented in Zhēnguān 20 (646) — Biànjī’s jìzàn (recording-and-eulogy) at the work’s end is the principal source for his role. Subsequently executed by Táng Tàizōng in Zhēnguān 23 (649) following the discovery of an illicit affair with Princess Gāoyáng 高陽公主, the Tàizōng’s daughter — the affair came to light when a stolen royal pillow was traced to Biànjī’s monastery cell. The execution was by yāozhǎn (waist-cutting). DILA Buddhist Authority id A001966.