往生集 1.207

1.207

Zongben of the Song was a native of Wuxi in Changzhou. At first, he studied under Chan Master Tianyi Huai and had an awakening through buddhamanasikāra. Later he moved to Jingci. Receiving an imperial decree, he entered Huilin Temple in the Eastern Capital. Summoned for an audience in the Yanhe Hall, he pleased the emperor. In his ordinary life, he secretly cultivated pure karma. Dharma Master Cai of Leifeng spiritually journeyed to the Pure Land and saw a flower of exceptional beauty. He asked about it and was told: "It is only awaiting Chan Master Ben of Jingci." Furthermore, Elder Xi of Zifu went to Huilin to bow at his feet, offered gold, and left. When people questioned his reason, he said: "In meditative absorption, I saw a golden lotus flower, and someone said it awaits Master Ben. There were also countless lotus flowers said to await those who would be delivered; some that were withered were said to belong to people who had regressed." Someone asked: "The Master transmits the direct pointing [of Chan]; how could his name be inscribed in the lotus realm?" He replied: "Although I belong to the Chan gate, I also cultivate the Pure Land concurrently." Later, when facing his end, he sat peacefully and passed away. He was posthumously named Chan Master Yuanzhao.