龍舒增廣淨土文 9.6

9.6

During the Daguan era, an official was buying boots in the marketplace of the capital when he saw a pair of boots that was very large, which had belonged to his father when buried. He asked about the source from which they were obtained. The reply said: "An official brought them here for repair." He asked when he would come to collect them, and thereupon went to wait for him. He indeed saw his father dismount from his horse, leave money, and take the boots. The son bowed; his father did not look at him, but mounted his horse again and departed. His son pursued him for about two or three li, almost unable to catch up, and then called out, saying: "You and I in life were father and son; why is there not a single word to instruct me?" His father said: "Learn from Ge Fan." He asked: "Who is Ge?" He said: "A person of the world." The son then inquired after his whereabouts. At that time Ge was Governor of Zhenjiang, so the son went to see him, told him the reason, and moreover asked: "Why is Governor Ge held in such high regard in the unseen realms?" Ge replied, saying: "When I began, I performed one act benefiting others each day; next, I performed two acts; then next, I performed three acts, or even up to ten acts. For forty years until now, I have never neglected it for a single day." The son asked: "How do you benefit others?" Ge pointed to the footstool by his seat and said: "If an object such as this is placed improperly, it stubs people's feet. If I straighten it, that too is an act of benefiting others. Moreover, if a person is thirsty and I can give him a cup of water to drink, that too is an act of benefiting others. Simply benefit them according to whatever the matter is; from the chief minister of the realm above down to the beggar below, all can practice this; it only lies in the person not neglecting it." The son bowed and withdrew. Later, Ge passed away seated at an advanced age. Observing this, one cannot but exert oneself in acts that benefit others; how could one ever commit acts that harm others? What is called 'loving people and benefiting things is benevolence'—Governor Ge attained this. Ge also cultivated Pure Land karma and dedicated merit by means of this; later, a monk whose spirit traveled to the Pure Land saw Ge there.