淨土論 3.20

3.20

Wei Shizi was a native of Liang Commandery. The Records of Xuanxiang states that a father and his two sons—three people—attained rebirth, having been vigorous in upholding the Dharma. His sons complied and practiced; only his wife was deluded and muddled, not believing in the Buddha's teaching. In the beginning of the Yuanjia reign era of the Song dynasty, his daughter fell ill and died at the age of fourteen; after seven days she revived, saying: “A high seat may be prepared, along with the Larger Sukhāvatīvyūha Sūtra.” Shizi immediately prepared the seat and sūtra fully for her. Although the daughter had previously observed the vegetarian fast and worshipped, she had never read the sūtras; she thereupon mounted the seat and chanted, the sound and verses being clear and fluent. Coming down, she addressed her father, saying: “When I died, I was reborn in the land of Amitāyus. I saw that in the pond there are already large lotus flowers for three people—my father, my brother, and me; later we will be born by transformation within them. Only my mother alone has none; unable to bear this, I have returned to inform you.” Having finished speaking, she expired again. Thereupon the mother came to revere and believe in the Buddha-Dharma.