弘贊法華傳 6.8

6.8

Shi Sengsheng had the surname Yuan and was a native of Pi in Shu Commandery. He went forth from the household in his youth and was praised for his ascetic practices. Song Feng and others of Chengdu invited him to become the abbot of Sanxian Monastery. He recited the Lotus and practiced dhyāna meditation. Once, when he was reciting the sūtra in the mountains, a tiger came and crouched in front of him, departing only when the recitation was completed. Thereafter, whenever he chanted, he would always see four attendants standing guard at his left and right. Although he grew old and frail, his zealous devotion grew even more earnest. Later, afflicted with a slight illness, he told his attendant, 'I am about to depart. After I die, you may burn my body.' The disciples followed his testamentary instructions.