樂邦文類 3.113

3.113

3. Master Shaokang was a native of Xiandu in Jinyun. Early in the Zhenyuan era, he arrived at Baima Monastery in Luoyang, where he saw texts inside the hall repeatedly emitting radiance. Reaching into the pile to take one, it proved to be Shandao's text on transforming and guiding [beings to] the West. Kang said: 'If I have affinity with the Pure Land, let this text emit radiance once more.' Before he had finished speaking, the light flashed brilliantly. Kang said: 'Though the kalpa-stone may be worn away, my vow shall not alter.' Thereupon he went to Shandao's shadow hall in Chang'an and laid out grand offerings. Suddenly, he saw Shandao's bequeathed portrait rise into mid-air and say to him: 'If you rely on my work to benefit and bring joy to sentient beings, your merit will join them in being reborn in Peaceful Nurture.' Furthermore, on the road he met a monk who said: 'If you wish to convert people, you must go to Xinding.' Having spoken these words, he vanished. Xinding is modern Yanzhou. When the Master arrived there, no one recognized him. Kang then begged for coins and enticed the young children, saying: 'Amitābha Buddha is your original teacher; if you can chant his name once, I will give you a coin.' The crowd of children, eager for coins, chanted accordingly. After more than a month had passed, those waiting for coins were many. Kang said: 'You must chant ten times to receive a coin.' After a year of this, whether young or old, noble or base, people chanting the Buddha's name filled the roadways. Subsequently, he established a Pure Land site of practice on Mount Wulong, building a three-tiered altar and gathering the multitude to practice the path at midnight. Kang chanted 'Amitābha Buddha' in a high voice, and the assembly joined in unison. Each time the Master chanted the Buddha's name, the assembly saw a Buddha emerge from his mouth; when he chanted ten times in succession, there were ten Buddhas like a string of pearls. The Master said: 'Those among you who see the Buddhas are definitely determined to attain rebirth.' The assembly numbered several thousands, though there were also some who never saw them at all. Later, he left his final instructions to the monastics and laity, urging them to arouse a mind of progressing toward Peaceful Nurture and a mind of disgust and renunciation toward Jambudvīpa. Having spoken, several rays of light shone forth, and he peacefully passed away. His stūpa was erected on Taiziyan, which National Preceptor Deshao of Tiantai later rebuilt. The one whom the world called the 'Later Shandao' was precisely this Master.