佛祖統紀 27.71

27.71

Zhitong traveled to Tiantai and saw Zhiyi's *Pure Land Ritual*, taking great joy in comprehending it. He once went to Beckoning-Hand Cliff, where he set forth a great vow, meditating on Amitābha Buddha's forty-eight vows. Having finished chanting, he threw himself down from the cliff, but it was as if a spirit-being caught him in the trees. He then composed his mind again and climbed the cliff, saying, "This remaining life is detestable; my great vows have already been pronounced; may only the ocean-wide assembly of bodhisattvas come together to receive and guide me!" He threw himself down a second time, landing right on thick, soft grass. After a long while he revived. The monastic assembly carried him back, with neither body nor mind harmed. Later, he traveled to Mount Fahua in Yue. One night, he saw white cranes and peacocks descending from the west in ranks, and lotuses opening and closing as luminous manifestations appeared before him. He then arose, bowed to the Buddha, sat cross-legged, and passed away. (Later Jin dynasty.)