釋門自鏡錄 2.12

2.12

Zhishen—his family name is unknown. His speech and conduct were largely foul, and he was deeply mired in lusts and desires. He always ate fresh fish to please his palate. He dug a pond in his quarters, twenty zhang wide, and raised many fresh fish to supply his morning and evening meals. Furthermore, he painted an image of King Yama and placed it by an empty seat; whenever the fish stew was freshly cooked, he would first offer it to the image. When someone asked the reason, Shen said, 'King Yama is the master of the nether hells; banishment and punishment depend on the tip of his brush. Should I by chance meet him, perhaps he will grant me leniency and pardon.' His companions ridiculed and admonished him, but none could stop him. Later he suddenly fell ill and died, and thereupon saw King Yama, who said, 'Lately this disciple has frequently received your offerings. Although your kind intention was deep, it only caused this disciple's burden of offenses to grow heavier. I pray the master will not do so! The taking of life is a grave matter and cannot be deferred.' He ordered the jailer to lead Shen to observe the places of suffering, saying, 'After viewing them, you may take the master back.' Shen walked forward and saw a great iron city with fierce flames blazing up. While still several hundred paces away, flying sparks burst forth in disarray and reached Shen. Shen was terrified and refused to advance further. The King said, 'What does the master think of what he has seen?' Shen wept in sorrow, begged for repentance, and pleaded to be released temporarily to return and cultivate merit. The King said, 'If outside the hell it is already like this, one can know what it is like inside the hell. That one creates it oneself and receives it oneself—these words are not false. Lately I have received your kindness; now I repay it with this.' Thereupon he was able to return to life, deeply reformed and spurred himself on, and through his dawn-to-dusk diligence became a monk of lofty conduct.