樂邦遺稿 2.71

2.71

The Beimeng suoyan states: “Pei Xiu, the Tang prime minister, turned his mind to the Buddhist school and was skilled in Chan and doctrinal teachings. Whenever the Venerable Mi of Guifeng wrote works, Pei composed the prefaces for all of them. He often wore a patched patchwork robe and held his bowl begging for food in the quarters of singing courtesans, saying of himself, ‘Unstained by mundane sentiments, one can preach the Dharma to save people.’ He often made the vow: ‘May I be a king in lifetime after lifetime to broadly protect the Buddha Dharma.’ Later, the king of the Kingdom of Khotan gave birth to a crown prince, whose palm lines bore the two characters ‘Pei Xiu’. When this was heard in the central court, Pei's son sent a letter wishing to welcome him, but it was not granted, so he ceased.”