佛祖歷代通載 8.46

8.46

(20) In the first year of the Xiaojian era, Emperor Xiaowu of the Song raised troops to execute the original culprit [Liu Shao], and Guṇabhadra fled among the common people. Later, Wang Xuanmo encamped his army at Liangshan. Emperor Xiaowu ordered throughout the army that whoever found Guṇabhadra should send him by express courier to the capital. Soon he was found and sent to Jinling for an imperial audience. The emperor said: "I have long looked up to your virtue, and only now do we meet. Having returned through such hardships, do you harbor any resentment?" Guṇabhadra said: "I have no resentment; I only consider that past conditions met here and have now borne fruit." The emperor consoled him and teased him, saying: "Do you still remember the Prince of Qiao?" He replied: "The ancients did not forget a single meal. The Prince fed me for ten years; how could I dare forget him so suddenly? I only think of begging Your Majesty to allow me to cultivate unseen blessings for the Prince forever." The emperor grew sorrowful and his countenance changed. When the Zhongxing Temple was completed, an imperial decree commanded him to serve as its abbot. The emperor held a banquet in the Eastern Headquarters, where all the ministers and lords assembled, and summoned Guṇabhadra. White-haired, clear, and lean, Emperor Xiaowu saw him from afar and said to Xie Zhuang: "Mahāyāna has swift wit; let us tease him, and it will surely bring understanding to human feelings." Guṇabhadra hastened up the steps. The emperor said: "Mahāyāna has not failed his long journey; only one thing remains!" He responded immediately: "This poor monk has eaten the food of the sagely court for thirty years, and its grace is profound. All that I lack is a single death." The emperor was greatly delighted, moved his mat closer, and the entire assembly bowed in admiration.