樂邦文類 1.241

1.241

The Buddha was in Śrāvastī. There was an elder's daughter named Shanxin, who was widely learned and wise, always had great vows, and found no delight in worldly life. She thought to herself: 'All things are impermanent and must end in death; heaven and earth will also decay and collapse—how much more so the human body! I think of my parents and brothers, who do not know sin or merit and are insatiable in their greed and desire. I am fifteen years old and have already been promised to another man. My brothers have accepted bolts of silk, and my body will go off to suffer various miseries and hardships. It is better that today, while pure, I make a supreme vow to seek a place of peace, security, and everlasting joy where I may take delight.' Thereupon, straightening her whole mind, she pledged her body and life. At that time, the King of Gods appeared in mid-air and addressed Shanxin, saying: 'If you wish to take refuge in the peaceful, secure, and pure Dharma-realm in the West, first make obeisance toward the ten directions; with a compassionate heart and reverent mind, your aspiration will surely be realized.' The girl was filled with joy; she bathed, burned incense, and made obeisance toward the ten directions. The god again addressed her, saying: 'You should utter a verse in praise of Amitābha Buddha.' Shanxin acted according to the teaching. Śakra then transformed into a handsome man, holding gold in his hands, and teased her with a verse. Shanxin replied with a verse, reproaching the faults of men and women. Śakra clasped his hands and praised her: 'What do you seek? Throughout the world, your vast merit is peerless and beyond measure.' Shanxin rejoiced upon hearing this; the earth shook greatly, and she spoke a gāthā taking refuge in the Buddha. The Buddha, together with the great assembly, immediately flew to her house. Shanxin paid homage to the Buddha, and the Buddha emitted light, smiled, and conferred upon her the twenty-four precepts. Having heard them, Shanxin attained the seventh abiding stage and was immediately transformed into a man before the Buddha. Her parents and brothers all received the five precepts. (This origin story appears in the thirty-eighth fascicle of the Jinglü yixiang.)