The Ch’üan fa pao chi (Annals of the Transmission of the Dharma-treasure), written approximately 712, says that Hongren was quiet and withdrawn, diligent in his menial labors, and sat in meditation throughout the night.
Chu’an fa pao chi (Sejarah Transmisi dari harta-Dharma), yang ditulis sekitar tahun 712, mengatakan bahwa Hongren tenang dan pendiam, rajin dalam pekerjaan kasar, dan duduk meditasi sepanjang malam.