佛祖統紀 27.72

27.72

Shaoyan resided at Huxin Monastery in Qiantang, where he devoted himself exclusively to chanting the *Lotus Sūtra*, aiming to reach ten thousand recitations to attain rebirth in the Pure Land. One morning, lotus flowers grew on dry land. Yan vowed to burn his body as an offering to the Three Holy Ones of the West. King Chu of Wuyue earnestly urged him to desist. Later, he went and threw himself into the Cao'e River, but it seemed as if something supported his feet, and fishermen rescued him so that he did not drown. The King of Wuyue built a Pure Land Cloister at Baota Monastery for him to dwell in. One morning, he saw the light of a lotus flower shining upon his body. Three days later, he cheerfully passed away in a seated posture.