三寶感應要略錄 1.25

1.25

In the country of Gandhāra, there was a painted Buddha statue sixteen feet tall. From the chest up, it divided into two bodies; from the chest down, it was united into a single body. An elder was heard to say: Originally there was a poor man who relied solely on his own labour to sustain himself. He obtained one gold coin and vowed to make a Buddha statue. He said to a painter: 'I now wish to paint the wondrous form of the Tathāgata. I have one gold coin, which is modest compensation for your labour, but my heartfelt wish has long grieved over poverty and been constrained by destitution.' At that time, the painter was moved by his utmost sincerity, said nothing of the price, and agreed to accomplish the work. There was another man whose circumstances were the same as the former; holding one gold coin, he sought to have a Buddha statue painted. The painter then accepted the money from the two men, procured fine paints, and together painted one statue. On the same day, both men came together to pay homage. The painter pointed to the single statue, showed it to the two men, and said to them: 'This is your Buddha statue.' The two looked at each other with misgivings. The painter, knowing their doubt in his heart, said to the two men: 'Why do you ponder so long? Regarding everything I received, not a hair's breadth was withheld. These words are not false; the statue will surely manifest a spiritual transformation.' Before his voice fell silent, the statue displayed a miraculous marvel: dividing its bodies and intersecting their shadows, their radiant marks shone upon each other. The two men gladly yielded, their hearts filled with faith and joy.