高僧傳 5.8

5.8

Fu Jian dispatched an envoy to send a foreign gilt reclining image seven feet tall, as well as a gilt seated image, an image of Maitreya adorned with strung pearls, a gold-threaded embroidered image, and a woven image, one of each. Whenever there was a lecture assembly or a gathering for the Dharma, he would display the revered images and set out banners and streamers; pearls and ornaments gleamed in turns, while incense smoke and flowers drifted in profusion. Whoever mounted the steps and entered the threshold was filled with solemn reverence. There was a foreign bronze image of ancient and unusual design; the assembly at the time did not regard it with great reverence. An said: “The bodily marks of the image are exceptionally fine, but the shape of the uṣṇīṣa is not quite fitting.” He instructed his disciples to smelt and adjust its uṣṇīṣa; shortly afterwards, radiant flames shone forth brilliantly, illuminating the entire hall. Looking closely into the uṣṇīṣa, they saw a relic (śarīra); the assembly was all humbled and convinced. An said: “Since the image is miraculous, do not trouble to rework it again.” They then ceased. Those of discernment all said that An knew there was a relic, and therefore revealed it to the assembly.