法華傳記 7.12

7.12

沙門淨藏。鄜州人也。少喪父母。出家住寶室寺。根性戇鈍。不能讀誦經典。晝夜歎息。恨先世業。更欲讀法華經。蔬食苦節。從師始受經。經歷歲月。纔讀一品。晝夜精勤。不食五穀。身力衰微頓悶絕。神至閻魔廳。王見淨藏。歡喜令就金座。合掌讚曰。善哉大釋子。勇猛讀法華。不久得成佛。利益諸有情。讚已謂藏言。阿師壽在三年前業已盡。讀法華力。既增至今。業壽既延。放還阿師。須讀一部。聞是語已。如眠而覺。流淚悔恨。既讀其文。予面見淨藏。聞其始末而已。

The śramaṇa Jingzang was a native of Fuzhou. Having lost his parents in his youth, he left home and resided at Baoshi Monastery. By nature he was dull and slow-witted, unable to read or recite the scriptural classics. Day and night he sighed, lamenting his past karmic hindrance, and further wished to read the Lotus Sūtra. Eating only vegetables and observing austere discipline, he first received the sūtra from a master; though months and years passed, he barely managed to read a single chapter. Day and night he was diligent, not consuming the five grains; his physical strength declined, and suddenly he fainted and lost consciousness. His spirit arrived at the court of Yama. Upon seeing Jingzang, the King joyfully had him sit upon a golden seat, joined his palms, and praised him: "Excellent, O great disciple of Śākya! Bravely and vigorously reading the Lotus, you will soon attain buddhahood and bring benefit to all sentient beings." After praising him, he said to Zang, "Master, your lifespan was already exhausted three years ago according to your karma. Through the power of reading the Lotus Sūtra, it has been extended until now. Now that your karmic lifespan has been prolonged, I release you to return, Master; you must read the complete text." Having heard these words, he awakened as if from sleep, weeping tears of repentance, and subsequently read its text. I personally met Jingzang and heard this from beginning to end.