釋氏稽古略 3.274

3.274

The Water Repentance. The Great Virtue Kuangzong, taboo name Zhixuan, had the family name of Chen. In the fourth year of Xiantong, an imperial decree conferred upon him the title National Teacher Wuda ("Awakened Understanding") and appointed him to oversee the affairs of the Buddhist teaching. In the twelfth year, the fifth month, the emperor visited Anguo Monastery and bestowed upon the master a precious seat adorned with aloeswood, over two zhang in height, exceptionally rare and exquisite. In the second year of Zhonghe of Emperor Xizong, the imperial carriage traveled to Shu to flee Huang Chao, arriving in Chengdu. He dispatched Censor Guo Zun bearing an imperial decree to summon the master to the traveling court. In the following year, the master took leave of the traveling palace in Chengdu and returned to Mount Jiulong. A pearl-like swelling arose on his left thigh, causing extreme pain; this was called a "human-face sore." He encountered an extraordinary monk who drew water to wash the sore, and came to know that it was the karmic retribution between Chao Cuo and Yuan Ang. The present three scrolls of the Water Repentance originated from this master. The master also knew on his own that his time had expired; lying on his right side, he peacefully passed away. The master penetrated deeply into the Three Learnings, and his fame covered the entire era; the world called him Bodhisattva Chen (from the Old Book of Tang).