釋門自鏡錄 1.63

1.63

Daoxie, whose secular surname was Wang, did not cultivate moral conduct, but extensively accumulated fields and estates, amassing cloth, silk, damask, and gauze, constantly running into the tens of thousands. Yet he was stingy and penurious, unwilling to part with a single hair. Later, he suddenly contracted a severe illness: his private parts became blocked so that he could not pass urine or stool, and he was on the verge of death. In this monastery, there was a Dharma master who came to explain the Dharma to him. His mind was somewhat awakened, and he consequently gave away one-third of his possessions. As soon as the widespread giving was completed, his illness immediately abated. Shortly after his illness was cured, within a few days, he inspected his loft and saw that it was empty of goods. Reminiscing over the wealth and silks, he consequently went mad, shouting continuously, "Thieves! The monks of the various monasteries have come to rob me of my belongings!" Though his companions admonished him, he showed no signs of awakening. The Dharma master then informed the various monasteries to return the goods and wealth. Seeing them, Daoxie's shouting finally ceased. Within one or two days, his old illness flared up again, with even more agonizing distress. He again invited the Dharma master to seek repentance once more. The Dharma master rebuked and exhorted him, making him renounce his stinginess and give away the previous goods again. His illness was cured a second time. After recovering, he continually reminisced over the money and goods, constantly harboring anger and resentment. He died in a few days. When he died, his eyes were as large as cups, and his entire body was crimson red.