弘贊法華傳 3.12

3.12

Xiao Yu, the Left Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs and Duke of Song, whose courtesy name was Shifu, was a native of Lanling. His great-great-grandfather was Emperor Wu of Liang, and his father was Emperor Ming. The Duke had deep faith in the Buddhist scriptures and cast aside non-Buddhist learning. Whenever he was present at banquets, by imperial order he was always granted a separate vegetarian meal. He was also bestowed a copy of the Pañcaviṃśatisāhasrikā-prajñāpāramitā Sūtra written in Wang Bao's own hand, and a mountain patchwork kaṣāya. Although the Duke took part in state affairs, his recitation and mindfulness never suffered neglect. He personally composed the Fahua yiji (Record of the Meaning of the Lotus) in ten fascicles, occasionally lecturing on it inside his mansion for his sons and nephews. On the day the commentary was completed, he dreamed of the Prabhūtaratna Stūpa shining brightly in the sky, and thereupon summoned famous craftsmen to construct this wondrous stūpa. In the sixth month of the twenty-second year of Zhenguan, he died at Yuhua Palace. Before his end, he left his final instructions, saying, 'All my clothing and implements are to be sent to Jinliang Temple for a joint saṅghakarma. The mountain patchwork robe bestowed from above, the tree-bark patchwork robe of my great-great-grandfather, the iron ruyi sceptre, the curved armrest, the chowry fly whisk, the incense burner, the washing water vessel, the jade spittoon, the agate beads, the court cap, utensils, and clothing, shall all enter the permanent property [of the monastery] to serve as eternal offerings.'