弘贊法華傳 8.10

8.10

Śramaṇa Fazhi was a native of Xuancheng. He went forth from home at an early age; his observance of the precepts was rigorous and ascetic, and he did not meddle in worldly affairs. Dwelling in seclusion in mountain forests, he pursued his aspirations in purity, reciting the complete Lotus Sūtra without ever neglecting or abandoning it. Moreover, his voice was clear and penetrating, with distinct tones and phrases; whenever he chanted and recited, people all took delight in hearing it. The people of the time called him 'Lotus Zhi.' At the beginning of the Zhenguan era, he resided at Upper Dinglin Temple on Mount Jiang. One night, while reciting to the Stūpa Chapter, there was dark rain and wind, accompanied by great peals of thunder. The Master recited and chanted without ceasing. The monks from various quarters all came out to watch the thunder and rain; whenever lightning flashed across the sky, they saw a jeweled stūpa suspended in the air, with a great multitude respectfully circumambulating it. The temple monks were astonished and gazed upon it together. Only when the clouds and rain cleared did it cease to appear. The multitude praised him together, knowing this was brought about by the resonance of the sūtra keeper.