弘贊法華傳 6.32

6.32

Śramaṇa Zhengze was a man of unknown origin. Having planted fragrant causes in past lives, he attained faith and awakening early. After shaving his hair, he immediately recited the Lotus Sūtra. He once spent a summer retreat living together with Dharma Master Su of Zhicheng Temple. At that time, Su was lecturing on the Lotus Sūtra for others; at night he needed to read, but his lamp went out. Intending to go outside to fetch fire, he heard Master Ze reciting the Lotus Sūtra in a very loud, resonant voice. In his mind he was somewhat annoyed, and wished to go over and speak to Ze. Opening the door and lifting the curtain to go out, he saw the entire temple filled with men and horses, clad in armor and holding halberds, some sitting and some standing, looking toward Ze's room. Su thereupon did not dare go out again, and retreated back to where he stayed. In a short while, as the recitation paused, he lifted the curtain once more, and still saw those same men and horses, standing in midair. This confirmed that they were heavenly deities who had come to listen. When he asked him about it the next day, Ze said, 'Last night while reciting the sūtra, I was unaware that my voice was loud; I was simply rejoicing in the swift flow of the recitation.' Su afterward frequently praised him to others, and those who heard grew in faith.