龍舒增廣淨土文 5.30

5.30

Weian exclusively practiced the sixteen contemplations. Once, when he went out, he saw the two bodhisattvas Avalokiteśvara and Mahāsthāmaprāpta appear in the sky, lingering for a long time without vanishing. Weian made prostrations, wept tears, and sighed, saying, "Fortunate am I to have seen the holy countenances with fleshly eyes; what I regret is that nothing will be handed down to later generations." Suddenly, two men claiming to be painters appeared; before one could stretch one's arm, the holy images were successfully completed, and soon the men were also seen no more. The disciples were astonished and asked about it. Weian said, "Could these have been mere painters?" He also said, "My journey to the West—this is indeed the time. If any disciples wish to follow me, state it clearly." A young boy said, "I will follow the master and go." Weian said, "If you can certainly follow me, you may return and tell your parents." His parents heard and laughed, scolding him. The boy then returned to the monastery, bathed in fragrant water, sat cross-legged before Amitābha Buddha, and passed away. Someone told Weian; Weian stroked his back and said, "You who served me, why did you leave first?" He then asked for a brush, burned incense, and facing the painted bodhisattvas recited a verse: "Avalokiteśvara assists from afar to receive; / Mahāsthāmaprāpta aids from the distance to welcome. / The jeweled vase is displayed upon the crown; / The transformation Buddha is bright before the crest. / Together roaming through the lands of the ten directions, / Holding flowers, they await the nine births. / May they, with hands of loving-kindness and compassion, / Guide and encourage [us] to journey west together." He then ordered his disciples to assist by reciting the Buddha's name in unison; raising his eyes and looking westward, he died.