弘贊法華傳 10.4

10.4

Emperor Gao, Grand Ancestor of the Qi, had the surname Xiao, the taboo personal name Daocheng, and the courtesy name Shaobo. He contemplated and aspired to the True Vehicle, and fixed his mind upon the precious ground. Leaving the burning house, he galloped afar; surpassing the conjured city, he pointed directly [to the goal]. Ordaining monks and establishing temples, he opened wide the gate of merit; casting images and upholding sūtras, he repeatedly cultivated wise karma. On every fifteenth day of the seventh month, he sent [Ullambana] basins to all temples, making offerings to three hundred monks. On the days of the new and full moon, he forbade the taking of life. Furthermore, amidst his leisure from the myriad affairs of state, he hand-copied the Lotus Sūtra, whose ornamentation was outstanding, and constantly presented offerings to it.