法華傳記 5.6

5.6

To the south of the suburbs within Chang'an County in Yongzhou, on the south bank of the Fushui River, there was a man named Shi Hezhi of Shi Village. From youth he harbored good thoughts, constantly recited the Lotus, practiced the peaceful practices, and held compassion in mind. He did not ride on domestic beasts, because the sūtra speaks of "pitying all beings." With modesty and restraint as his mindset, his name was listed as a clerk, traveling back and forth to the capital ministries. Because of his habit of recitation, and fearing that he might encounter acquaintances along the road and engage in social pleasantries, thereby interrupting his recitation, he always took small bypaths and side roads, lowering his voice with a serene countenance, keeping his contemplation continuous and never showing weariness. When he came to the end of his life, a miraculous fragrance was sensed, filling the alleys of the village; relatives and strangers alike were amazed, without understanding its cause. He was then buried. Ten years later, when his wife died, his corpse was exhumed: the tongue-root was fresh and bright, while the rest had entirely decayed. He was then given a prominent and marked reburial.