神僧傳 5.40

5.40

Shi Zhiman, whose lay surname was Jia, was of unknown origin. His moral conduct was lofty and pure, and he resided at Anle Monastery. At that time, when Emperor Taizong of the Tang was in Jinyang, on the night he first plotted [the uprising] with Liu Wenjing, Emperor Gaozu dreamed that he fell beneath his bed and saw his entire body being eaten by worms and maggots. Disliking this exceedingly, he consulted Zhiman. Zhiman said, 'This calls for congratulations! Falling beneath the bed refers to [attaining the position of] Your Majesty (bixia). Being eaten by a swarm of maggots means that the multitude of living beings will all rely on a single person to survive.' Gaozu appreciated his words. [Zhiman] further said, 'This poor monk is fairly practiced in the Yijing. Drawing hexagrams reveals the omen of Mingyi (Darkening of the Light). According to the Yijing, "Xun (humility) lies beneath the bed, confusion without fault; early good fortune, late misfortune." This fundamentally concerns a great entity and cannot be treated as small. If kept small, it fails; if made great, it succeeds. You may undertake a great enterprise to rescue the multitude of living beings. Wherever you go, there will be success, and it will surely come to fruition.' With a stirred expression, Gaozu said, 'Though I have received your kind guidance, I do not yet dare to assume the role of benevolence.' The master glanced at Taizong and said, 'The young gentleman and his noble father both accord with the dream’s omen. This is called "undertaking the affairs of one’s father, the deceased father remains blameless." Heavenly principle and human affairs are clearly discernable. You cannot stubbornly refuse what Heaven bestows. If Heaven gives and you do not take, you will surely incur its blame. Would that not be inadmissible?' Gaozu bowed, thanked him, and said, 'How fortunate is this disciple to trouble you repeatedly with such earnest and attentive instruction! How could I dare not respectfully obey?' Later, it was not known where Zhiman ended his days.