佛祖統紀 15.68

15.68

Practitioner Master Neng was a native of Jiahe. In his youth he studied at Nengren. He entered the repentance hall for forty years; through the six periods [of the day and night] he practiced the Way, never neglecting it even when ill. Only by not eating for several days did his illnesses naturally heal. The fame of 'the Practitioner' was thus heard throughout Jiangnan and Zhe. When he was already old, he read the texts as if he were a beginner. Caobian teased him, saying, 'Have you not yet forgotten the fish trap?' The Master said, 'What fish trap is there to forget?' Bian was deeply ashamed. Once during the summer heat, while drying his clothes, he sighed, 'A heroic, generous man has on the contrary become like a servant.' Thereupon he gave away all his superfluous possessions, keeping only a single tattered wadded robe. In summer he folded it and bound it with a ridgepole. In summer days he entered the forest to give himself to the mosquitoes. One day he met two tigers and gave his body over to them; the tigers lowered their heads and walked away. The mountain spirit provided offerings to one region and often had contact with him. When the kitchen had shortages, the administrative monk came to report it, but [the Master] vigorously waved him off. The next morning, donations arrived of themselves; all said, 'Last night the Practitioner went from door to door informing us.' Only then did they know that the mountain spirit, on the Master's behalf, had gone. When Yuanjue received the appointment to Nengren, the Master and Head Monk Wen burned their fingers in petition [for him to come]. When he arrived, day and night they sought instruction and attained great awakening.