弘贊法華傳 6.7

6.7

Shi Faxiang's clan name is not known; he said of himself that he was a native of Henan. During the Yixi era of the Eastern Jin, he suddenly awakened to impermanence, transcended worldly life, and lived in seclusion in mountain valleys, wandering without a fixed abode; he was detached, quiet, and serene, not associating with the prominent or holding office. He recited the Lotus Sūtra without slacking day or night. Once, when Xiang passed by the shrine of Mount Tai as evening fell, he lodged in a commoner's house beside the temple. Rising at night to recite the sūtra, he suddenly heard a knocking at the door. When Xiang went out to look, he saw a person in dark clothing and a martial cap, who paid homage to Xiang and said, 'I am the Lord of Mount Tai. Hearing the master reciting the sūtra, I have come to listen. In my temple, there is a stone casket containing many treasures and goods, which I offer as alms to you, Master; you may open it and take them.' Its stone lid weighed more than a thousand jun, and no man could lift it. Xiang tried lifting it, and it opened effortlessly. Thereupon, he obtained about one hundred bolts of silk and over one hundred strings of cash, using them to give alms to the poor and relieve the destitute. Later, he crossed the Yangtze River and stayed at Yuecheng Monastery, where he suddenly lost his self-restraint and roved about without restraint. At that time, General Guarding the North Sima Tian despised his lack of discipline; he summoned him and gave him poison to drink. Xiang drank three goblets repeatedly, yet his expression did not change, remaining placid and undisturbed. Tian was greatly astounded; ashamed, fearful, and full of remorse, he provided for him generously.