佛祖統紀 27.52

27.52

Weian was a native of Bingzhou. He regularly practiced the sixteen gates of contemplation. Once, upon emerging from contemplation, he saw Avalokiteśvara and Mahāsthāmaprāpta appear in mid-air. Weian prostrated with tears streaming like rain and said, 'It is fortunate that with fleshy eyes I have been able to behold the sacred forms, yet I regret that the world has no image handed down.' Suddenly, two men appeared who claimed to be skilled painters. Once the sacred images were finished, the men also vanished. Thereupon he said to his disciples, 'The time for my journey to the West has come. Will anyone follow me?' A young lad said, 'Only as the master commands.' He went at once to inform his parents, returned to the monastery to bathe, and before the image sat cross-legged and passed away. Weian stroked his back and said, 'Why did you go before me?' He then ordered his disciples to assist by reciting the Buddha's name in unison. Looking up toward the west, he fell silent without a sound.