神僧傳 5.4

5.4

Shi Xuanguang was a native of Ungju in the land across the Eastern Sea. From youth he was sharp and perceptive. He went to Mount Heng to meet the Great Master Huisi. Later, when he brought his staff back to the south of the Yangtze River, he boarded a ship from his home country that was departing from the shore. At that time, multicolored clouds dazzled the eyes, and elegant music filled the sky. Crimson tallies and rainbow pennants appeared, and a voice called out in midair: 'The Heavenly Emperor summons Chan Master Xuanguang from the Eastern Sea.' Guang bowed with joined hands in deference, seeing only a green-clad attendant leading the way. Shortly thereafter, he entered a palace city, which was certainly no earthly government office; its guard array consisted entirely of scaled and shelled creatures mingled with ghosts and spirits. Someone said: 'Today the Heavenly Emperor has descended to the Dragon King's palace and requests the Master to preach the Dharma gate of personal realization. We denizens of the water realm have received the Master's benefit.' Having mounted the jeweled hall, he next ascended a high terrace; he spoke in response to questions for approximately seven days. Afterwards, the king in person bade him farewell. The ship had been drifting on the ocean without making progress; when Guang boarded the ship again, the ship's crew believed only half a day had elapsed. Guang returned to Mount Ong in Ungju, where he planted his staff and built a thatched hut, which became a Buddhist monastery. Thereafter, it is unknown where he went.