觀音義疏 1.41

1.41

Next, regarding verification: In the Jin dynasty, Xie Fu composed the *Records of Avalokiteśvara's Responses and Verifications*, and Lu Gao of the Qi dynasty continued it. That record states: "Zhu Changshu was overtaken by spreading fire in Luoyang during the Yuankang era of the Jin. Being downwind in a thatched cottage, how could there be any principle of escape? He single-mindedly recited the name, and the wind turned, the fire shifted toward the neighboring house, and went out. The villagers, being of shallow view, said it was naturally so. On a dry, windy day, they threw fire to burn it; three times they threw fire and three times it went out, whereupon they kowtowed and repented. Fali built a monastery in Lu Commandery and begged a cart of hemp in Shanggu; encountering a wildfire in an open wasteland, Fali was exhausted and took a short nap; by the time he awoke, the fire's force had already reached him; he therefore raised his voice and recited 'Guan,' but before he could recite 'Shiyin,' the fire was extinguished at the sound. Furthermore, Fazhi encountered a wildfire, bowed his head to the ground, and with utmost sincerity recited the name; all other places were burned, but the spot where Zhi stood was unharmed." Moreover, there was the clerk of Wuxing Commandery: these are all illuminated in records and chronicles, and should truly be believed not to be empty talk. Third, explaining in terms of contemplative practice: there are many kinds of fire—there is retribution fire, karma fire, and affliction fire. Retribution fire reaches up to the first dhyāna, karma fire extends throughout the three realms, and affliction fire extends to practitioners of the three vehicles.