宋高僧傳 2.42

2.42

During the Dali era [766–779], Śramaṇa Fazhao of Yunfeng Temple on the Southern Marchmount entered Mount Wutai to pay homage at the Vajra Cavern. Before the night was half over, reproaching himself, he threw himself to the ground. Suddenly he saw a monk about seven feet tall, whose Sanskrit chanting was clear and fluent, who declared himself to be Buddhapāli. He asked, "Master, tormenting yourself like this, are you not exhausted? What is your wish and joy?" Fazhao replied, "I wish to see Mañjuśrī." He said, "If your willpower is resolute and strong, authentic and without deceit, you may remove your shoes upon the board; the holy countenance will be mere inches away, so that you may see him." Fazhao then closed his eyes, and in an instant he had entered the cavern. He saw a courtyard with an inscribed plaque that read, "Vajra-prajñā Temple"; the calligraphy was vigorous and powerful, and its lustre shimmered. The entire courtyard was adorned with rare treasures beyond naming; pavilions rose in layers, temple halls stretched continuously, screen nets were fine and dense, and bells and chimes sounded together, in some two hundred places. Between them was an esoteric depository containing the Vajracchedikā-prajñāpāramitā and all scriptures and teachings. The figures within were towering and stalwart, hardly ever seen in ordinary times. The Great Holy Mañjuśrī sat in a position of dignity, with attendants thronging around him. He spoke words of comfort, and after tea and food were distributed, Buddhapāli led Fazhao out. Fazhao bitterly pleaded to remain in the temple, but Buddhapāli would not permit it. At the time of parting he urged him on: "Strive vigorously in your cultivation and progress; when you come again, you may stay." Fazhao returned to the board and put on his shoes; when he looked back, Buddhapāli had vanished.