樂邦遺稿 2.33

2.33

The Baozhu ji states: 'Wang Zhong of Jiahe resided at the West Lake of Qiantang. During the Zhenghe era, he was recommended as a recluse, and the imperial court honoured him with the title of Retired Scholar. He once formed a Lotus Society and composed a text of admonition, saying: "I, the foolish one, once studied under Chan Master Xiaoben. The master was strict; whenever I made a move, he rejected it. Only after I asked repeatedly did he permit me to advance a step, yet in my place of self-examination I was still not completely clear. Later, while travelling on business, I stayed overnight at Chongning Monastery in Xiuzhou. In the morning, I happened to hear the assembly of monks chanting the Amitābha Sūtra, and my mind suddenly was moved, saying: 'I have applied my mind in the Chan gate for years, lamenting that I had no firm footing. Now I hear that Amitābha Buddha resides in the West, bidding me to generate faith and vows to seek rebirth. Is this not the ultimate place?' Thereupon I resolved my mind to cultivate it for nineteen years now, never missing a single day. For in my mind there was awakening and self-realization, just like the thorough penetration of the Chan school. Having attained this, I thought again of benefiting others. Formerly, there was the monk Fachi, who devoted himself exclusively to pure karma. At the end of his life he heard heavenly music and wondrous fragrance, and after a long while he revived, saying: 'Throughout my life I cultivated pure karma, but I regret not being able to benefit others. After I die, please expose my corpse beneath the pine grove to give to crows, kites, mole crickets, and ants, so that all who eat my flesh and blood may be born in the Pure Land.' Having spoken, he closed his eyes. The monastery monks immediately saw several divine banners descending from the western sun, emitting wondrous light that illuminated his room. Therefore we know that one who benefits oneself must benefit others. Now, Zhong respectfully forms a White Lotus Society at his dwelling to recruit people for shared cultivation. Anyone wishing to take part, regardless of high or low station, nobility or baseness, scholar or commoner, monk or nun, provided they resolve their minds with vows to return to the West, is universally invited to enter the society. Respectfully exhorted by Wang Zhong, Retired Scholar and Court Gentleman of Miscellaneous Affairs on the Left." Thus, the retired scholar established and cultivated this society, and through the merit of his vows and practice across the years, he later indeed fell ill-free and passed away facing the West. The sūtras and teachings of the Pure Land truly do not fail people; one only fears that worldly people are unwilling to rely on the sūtras and teachings.'