佛祖統紀 28.38

28.38

Qian Xiangzu of Tiantai styled himself Zhi'an (Dwelling in Stillness). When he governed Jinling, he inquired into the Dao from Quan Wuyong of Baoning, keeping especially the genuine practice of the Pure Land in mind. He once established ten guest-reception hospices in his home prefecture, all named after Pure Land, Ultimate Bliss, and the like. He also founded the Zhi'an Eminent Monks' Quarters as a place to host monks and discuss the Dao. From the time he resigned from the office of Left Chancellor and returned home, he advanced all the more in pure karma. In the second month of the fourth year of Jiading, suffering a slight illness, he wrote a verse: 'The lotus fragrance comes from the Buddha's realm; / On the lapis-lazuli ground, not a speck of dust remains. / My mind is pure, surpassing even that; / Today I know from afar that a single flower has bloomed.' Three days later, a monk came to inquire after his illness; Qian said: 'I do not crave life, nor do I fear death; I will not be born in the heavens, nor will I become a human being; I seek only to be born in the Pure Land.' Having finished speaking, he sat cross-legged and passed away. At that time, heavenly drums boomed, and an exquisite fragrance filled the air. Before his death, his nephews and fellow townspeople shared the same dream: in the sky someone said that Chancellor Qian was destined to be born into the lotus palace of the West as the Bodhisattva Ciji (Compassionate Aid). / Wang Zhonghui was a native of Wuwei who served as Administrative Assistant for Works. Because Yang Jie had explained to him the Dharma of the Pure Land, his recitation of the Buddha's name advanced all the more. Seven days before his death, he took leave of old friends in advance, then sat upright and passed away. At that time, Yang Jie was governing Danyang and dreamt that Zhonghui came to thank him, saying: 'Previously I received your guidance; now I have attained rebirth.' He bowed twice and departed. Shortly after, the death announcement arrived.