佛祖統紀 28.12

28.12

隋汶水二沙彌。同志念佛。經五年大者先亡。得生淨土。見佛欣慶即白佛言。有小沙彌與我同修。不識可得生不。佛言。汝本無心念佛。由彼勸汝。汝今宜還益勤淨業。三年後可同來此。至期佛與眾聖自西來迎。大地震動天華飄舞。是二沙彌一時俱化。

In the Sui dynasty, there were two novices by the Wenshui River who were united in their aim of reciting the Buddha’s name. After five years, the elder one died first and attained birth in the Pure Land. Seeing the Buddha, he rejoiced and said to the Buddha, “There is a younger novice who cultivated together with me; I do not know whether he can attain birth or not.” The Buddha said, “Originally you had no mind to recite the Buddha’s name; it was because of his encouragement. You should now return and cultivate Pure Land karma even more diligently; after three years, you may come here together.” When the time came, the Buddha and the assembly of sages came from the west to welcome them. The great earth shook, and heavenly flowers fluttered down. The two novices passed away at the same time.