法華傳記 3.26

3.26

Shi Zhiyuan was of the secular surname Song, a native of Jiangnan. He lost his father early, and was raised solely by his mother. He complied with her wishes and obeyed her expressions day and night without transgression. By nature intelligent and perceptive, he intuitively grasped the Lotus. At the age of eighteen, he asked his mother for permission to leave home. He received instruction from a master, serving him with filial respect and unflagging labor. His practice was lecturing on the Lotus Sūtra, expounding the Tiantai perfect and sudden teaching. He made a vow, saying: "If my understanding does not contravene the Buddha's intention, may heaven and earth be moved!" Immediately, flowers rained down, and the earth shook like thunder. He practiced with diligent vigor for over twenty years, never abandoning his lecture hall. At the time of his death, he said to his disciples: "The twenty-five holy beings have arrived to welcome me; I am going to be reborn in the Pure Land."