往生集 2.4

2.4

The King of Uḍḍiyāna, in his leisure from myriad affairs of state, was deeply fond of the Buddhadharma. He once said to his courtiers: “Though I am a king enjoying blessings and pleasure, I cannot escape impermanence. I have heard that in the Western Pure Land one may lodge the spirit. I shall make a vow to seek rebirth in that land.” Thereupon, during the six intervals of the day, he practiced circumambulation and buddhamanasikāra. Whenever offerings were made to the Buddha and meals given to monks, the King and his queen personally served the food, without neglect for thirty years. As his death approached, his complexion was joyful, nirmāṇabuddhas came to welcome him, and auspicious omens were numerous.