佛祖統紀 26.44

26.44

Sengji entered Mount Lu to inquire about the Dao, achieving refined awakening to the profound essentials. Master Yuan sighed and said: "Will it be you who gloriously carries on the great Dharma?" When he fell ill, Master Yuan gave him a candle, saying: "You may rely upon this to establish your mind on the Land of Peace and Sustenance." The master held the candle and suspended his discursive thoughts, inviting monks to chant the Pure Land sūtras. By the fifth watch, he handed the candle to his disciple Yuanbi and followed the monks in walking the path. Shortly after, he felt himself holding a candle floating in the sky and walking along; he saw Amitābha Buddha receive him into his palm and serve all the Buddhas everywhere. In a moment he awoke and said with joy: "Through a single evening's contemplation, I have already received welcoming guidance!" The next day, he again saw the Buddha and bodhisattvas in the sky. He said to Bi: "The Buddha has come." He then raised his head, looked toward the west, and with a single breath passed away. The weather at the time was sweltering, yet his body remained unchanged for three days, with an extraordinary fragrance lingering richly.