法華傳記 4.8

4.8

Shi Sengsheng, whose surname was Yuan, was a native of Pi in Shu Commandery. He went forth from the household life when young and achieved renown for his austerities. Song Feng and others of Chengdu invited him to be the abbot of Sanxian Temple. Day and night he recited the Lotus Sūtra and also practiced meditation. When reciting the Lotus Sūtra in the mountains, a tiger came and squatted before him, departing only after the recitation of the sūtra was finished. Later, whenever he chanted and recited, he would always see four people to his left and right acting as attendants and guards. Although he grew old and frail, his diligence became all the more earnest. Later he fell slightly ill, and said to his attendant: 'A heavenly boy has come to welcome me, saying, "By the power of reciting the sūtra, you shall be reborn in Tuṣita. The appointed time has arrived; I am about to depart." After my death, you may cremate my body. If blue flowers sprout where my body is cremated, take it as verification.' The disciples followed his testamentary instructions and cremated his body; it was indeed as he had said. The multitude wept, marvelling at it.