釋門自鏡錄 2.76

2.76

At the beginning of the Kaihuang era of the Sui, there was a monk from Yangzhou whose original name is forgotten. He had completely memorized and recited the Nirvāṇa Sūtra, boasting of it as his lifelong practice. A novice in a village beneath the East Mountain of Qizhou recited the Avalokiteśvara Sūtra. Both died suddenly. The areas below their hearts remained warm, and together they arrived at King Yama’s court. The King placed the novice on a golden high seat, treating him with great reverence, but placed the Nirvāṇa monk on a silver high seat, showing him less respect. When the proceedings concluded and their records were checked, both had remaining lifespan and were released to return. That Nirvāṇa monk harbored great resentment; relying on his extensive recitations, he asked where the novice lived. They then parted and each revived in his own place. Coming from the south to Qizhou, he sought out the novice and questioned him thoroughly about the cause. The novice said: “Since childhood I have recited Avalokiteśvara. I put on special robes, go to a special place, burn incense, make vows, and only then recite. I never slacken in this practice; I have no other method.” The monk apologized, saying: “My sin is grave indeed. When reciting the Nirvāṇa Sūtra, my deportment was disorderly and my body and speech impure; I only tried to keep from forgetting. The ancients had a saying: ‘Abundant evil is not as good as a little good.’ Now this has been verified.” Repenting of his past, he returned. (A Forest of Pearls from the Dharma Garden)