華嚴經傳記 4.8

4.8

Monk Huiwu of the Chanding Bodhimanda of the Sui dynasty: Together with a like-minded monk, he travelled and lived in seclusion in the Zhongnan Mountains. One received the Avataṃsaka, and the other upheld the Nirvāṇa [Sūtra]. Eating tree fruits and dwelling in caves for many years, each devoted himself to his practice without ceasing morning or evening. Suddenly, a man arrived unannounced, and after paying respects and inquiring [after their health], he said, "I request one master to come to my home to receive an offering." The two virtuous monks deferred to each other, but the man said, "I hope to invite the Avataṃsaka Dharma master." That monk then adjusted his robes and bowl and accompanied him. Before walking far, the monk asked, "Where is the dānapati's house?" He replied, "Directly south of here." The monk said, "To the south there are only mountain ravines; how could there be a village?" He replied, "This disciple is the god of this mountain, and my residence is within the crags and ravines. Master, please do not find it strange." Although the monk was startled and found it extraordinary, he still trod upon the rugged stones and pressed onward with effort. The god said, "Master, you uphold the Avataṃsaka; have you not yet attained supernormal powers?" He answered, "I have not yet attained them." The god then lifted the monk and soared into the sky, soon arriving at his dwelling. Suddenly, magnificent chambers and ornate halls of extraordinary splendour appeared. In the courtyard were arrayed rare delicacies, prepared as an offering for a thousand monks. As the time for the midday meal approached, the god then invited the monk to sit upon a high seat. The monk said, "Are there other monks coming?" The god said, "A great many; they will arrive in an instant." The monk said, "My monastic seniority is low; I ought not to take this seat." The god said, "Master, you uphold the Avataṃsaka; it is only right and proper that you hold the most honored position." Soon, extraordinary monks holding锡 canes and almsbowls were seen descending through the sky, numbering over five hundred, coming from unknown places. The monk, startled, stood up wishing to pay homage, but all of them declined, saying, "Please do not stir. Since you, Master, uphold the Avataṃsaka, you are the object of our respect." Each finished eating in silence and flew away through the sky, their destination unknowable. Only this monk was left, not knowing where he should go. The monk said to the god, "I hope that you, dānapati, will graciously show me my future path." Inside the god's courtyard were ten-odd small children, appearing about three years old, playing naked. The god said to a boy, "One of you, serve and attend upon the Dharma master." The boys deferred to one another, hesitating and not stepping forward. The god called out in a stern voice, and one boy immediately obeyed the command, saying to the monk, "Master, please open your mouth." Having looked into his mouth, he said, "Master has a severe illness." The boy then took dirt from beneath his fingernails and threw it into the monk's mouth. Soon he said again, "Master, open your mouth again." Having seen, he said, "Master's illness is mostly gone." The boy then leaped up and flew into the monk's mouth. It was indeed the essence of an elixir! The monk thus attained immortality. The god said, "We have troubled you, Master, to come so far, yet we have no sumptuous offering; we offer this slight recompense, and hope you will not take offense." The monk said, "I am deeply grateful to the dānapati; words cannot express it. May the merit of upholding [the sūtra] completely serve to perfume and aid you." Thereupon they bid farewell. Soaring to the clouds, he returned to his old place, sat cross-legged in mid-air, and called from afar to his companion, "By the power of the Avataṃsaka Sūtra, I have received immortal medicine. The stations of mortal and immortal are different; we cannot dwell together. We have lived together for a long time, so please bestow your rejoicing. In future ages, let us meet before the Buddha!" Thereupon he soared into the void, vanishing far away. The text he recited also followed him, and its whereabouts remain unknown. There was the Dhyāna Master Daoshu of the Five Assemblies, of exalted conduct in the Dhyāna gate and an authority of doctrinal studies, who recounted this matter in full, saying it was a close and detailed account.