往生集 3.46

3.46

唐邵彪。鎮江人。為士人時。夢至一公府。人稱安撫使司。俄而一官人問云。汝知所以不第否。彪對不知。因引彪前行。見大鑊中。煮蛤蜊。作人語。呼彪名彪怖。遂念阿彌陀佛。方啟口。蛤蜊變黃雀飛去。彪後及第。官至安撫。

Shao Biao of the Tang dynasty was a native of Zhenjiang. When he was a scholar, he dreamed he went to an official mansion called the Pacification Commission. Soon an official asked, 'Do you know why you have failed the examinations?' Biao replied that he did not know. The official then led Biao forward, where he saw clams boiling in a large cauldron, speaking in human voices and calling Biao's name. Biao was terrified and thereupon recited Amitābha Buddha. Just as he opened his mouth, the clams transformed into yellow sparrows and flew away. Biao later passed the examination and rose in office to Pacification Commissioner.