樂邦遺稿 2.73

2.73

The Yutang xianhua states: “In past times there was a monk who often visited the house of Cui Shen. Cui frequently told him of his lack of a son. The monk said, ‘Just invite your lady, in splendid attire, to visit the large monasteries of Chang'an. Wherever you see an old monk, if he does not look [at her], go on to another place. If he looks upon her with lingering eyes, you should form deep bonds with him and cause his mind to be moved; then in his next life he will naturally become your son.’ Cui and his wife believed his words. At first they went to two or three places, and none paid them any heed. Later they arrived at one compound and saw an old monk nearly sixty years of age who received them with great diligence. Cui then made generous donations, and from then on offerings continued without cease. The old monk was deeply touched, and reflecting that he had no way to repay them, made a vow to become their son in a future life. Within a few years the monk passed away, and Cui's wife gave birth to a son whose hand bore the two characters ‘Patch-robed Monk’ (naseng). Thus his childhood name was Naseng (‘Patch-robed Monk’), and he was also called Zilang (‘Monk Lad’).”