弘贊法華傳 8.26

8.26

Shi Chong was a native of the southern suburbs of Chang'an. In his youth, he belonged to Daoism, having joined the Yellow Turbans early on, and resided at Xuandu Abbey. Later, he suddenly gave rise to the resolve to recite the Lotus Sūtra, constantly chanting it once each day. Privately, he erected a Buddha image and performed repentance rituals during the six periods of the day. He was frequently envied by the Daoists. Because of this, he returned to lay life and chanted even more assiduously. Later, he suddenly contracted an illness and died abruptly. It was the height of summer, yet there was no decay whatsoever; only a fragrant scent was smelled. His relatives reverently placed his body in a niche-shrine and interred it nearby. From time to time, wondrous fragrances were frequently smelled. After more than a year had passed, his flesh and muscles were completely gone, yet the form and colour of his tongue were no different from an ordinary living person. Some people doubted and were astonished by this, but when burned with fire it did not change, and when struck with an axe it suffered no damage. Near and far, those who saw and heard of it increased their faith a hundredfold.