三寶感應要略錄 2.54

2.54

During the Qi dynasty, Dharma Master Tanluan obtained ten scrolls of immortal texts of this land and wished to visit the Hermit Tao to study the arts of the immortals. Later, he met Tripiṭaka [Master] Bodhiruci and asked: "Is there in the Buddha's Dharma a method for longevity and immortality that surpasses the immortal texts of this land?" The Tripiṭaka [Master] spat on the ground and said with astonishment: "Where in this realm could there be a method for longevity and immortality? Even if one attains prolonged life, when one's years are exhausted, one must fall back into the three realms of existence!" He immediately took the Sūtra on the Contemplation of Amitāyus, handed it to Tanluan, and said: "This is the prescription of the Great Immortal; cultivate according to it, and you will forever attain liberation and be parted from birth and death forever." Tanluan thereupon called for fire and subsequently burned the immortal texts. Suddenly, at midnight, he experienced Bodhisattva Nāgārjuna speaking a verse, and thus knew his life was coming to an end. Holding a censer himself, he faced west, was mindful of the Buddha, and thereupon ended his life. Music was heard in the air coming from the west, which returned after a short while.