佛祖統紀 28.48

28.48

Song Man was a native of Hengzhou during the Sui dynasty. He kept count of his Buddha-recitations using small beans until they filled thirty piculs. He then arranged a vegetarian feast for celebration and praise. The Buddha and the two Great Beings manifested as three monks and came to the gathering to beg for food. Song Man said: 'Your disciple vows to be born in the Western Paradise; that the Masters have come to attend this meal deeply accords with my original aspiration.' When the affair was concluded, he saw heavenly flowers and exquisite fragrance traveling through empty space. Not long after, Song Man sat facing west and passed away.