弘贊法華傳 6.27

6.27

Śramaṇa Tongzi was a man of unknown origin. He went forth from the household in his youth and lived in Qining Temple. He was always on friendly terms with Dharma Master Ren of Jianchu Temple. He listened to the doctrinal expositions of Lingyao, displaying deep analytical skill. He recited the entire Lotus Sūtra, but did not observe minor rules of conduct. When an epidemic struck the capital, he became infected and was on the verge of death. Master Ren went to visit him and said, 'Wherever you take rebirth, please let me know.' Tong said, 'I have always lamented this matter; now, according to the unseen causes of good and evil, I shall certainly report back to you.' Two years passed with no report whatever. On the New Year's Day of the third year, Ren went to visit Tong's lay family, whose members had all gone away into the hills; Ren remained in the house to watch over it. As Ren leaned against a table, in a state of daze, he saw Master Tong arrive and say to him, 'Recently, when death was near, we made a pact; I have long wished to report back to you, but circumstances did not permit. Today I come specially to let you know. I am now serving as a minor clerk at Mount Tai, and suffer no great misery.' Ren said, 'Throughout your life, sir, you recited the sūtras and listened to lectures, being a person of virtuous deeds; how is it that you only received this retribution?' Tong answered, 'It was solely due to those deeds that I obtained even this! Had I not had them, how could I have achieved what I am now?' Having finished speaking, he departed. Thereupon Ren practiced with ascetic diligence that surpassed ordinary days.