佛祖統紀 36.53

36.53

Wang Tanzhi served as Prefect of the Palace Secretariat and was on very close terms with the śramaṇa Zhu Fatai. They often discussed retribution in the unseen world and agreed that whoever died first should report on the matter. Later, the master came and said, 'This poor monk has died; sins and blessings are not empty. One must only diligently cultivate the virtue of the Way to elevate and liberate the spirit.' Having spoken, he disappeared. Dharma Master Dao'an constructed a bronze image of a stūpa at Tanxi Monastery in Xiangyang (in Sanskrit: futu, also stūpa, also thūpa; here rendered 'elevated and prominent place'). It was able to rise and walk on its own to Mount Fang, its radiant light illuminating the heavens, and the entire capital flocked to gaze upon and revere it. The eminent gentleman Xi Zuochi visited Dao'an and announced himself, saying, 'Xi Zuochi of the Four Seas.' Dao'an replied, 'Shi Dao'an of Vast Heaven.' The people of the time considered this a renowned matching pair. When the emperor heard of Dao'an's reputation, he issued a decree saying, 'The Dharma Master illuminates heaven and humans with his virtue of the Way. He should daily receive the stipend of a prince or duke, and the relevant officials shall supply it regularly.'