三寶感應要略錄 2.70

2.70

When Zhang Litong was twenty-seven years of age, a physiognomist looked at him and said, "Your lifespan is very short, sir; you cannot pass thirty-one." Litong was sorrowful and anxious, and turned to Master Mai for refuge. The master said, "There is a recipe for long life. If with a reverent heart you copy, accept, and uphold it—" and then gave him the Bhaiṣajyaguru-sūtra translated by the Tripiṭaka Master of the Tang. Tong said, "Worldly dust and affairs of the age press upon me; I deeply fear the king's reprimand. Accepting and upholding it is truly difficult; for now I must first copy it." He then requested the scripture roll and copied it himself with focused sincerity. Worldly affairs pressing hard upon him, he only managed to finish a single roll. At that time, the previous physiognomist saw Tong and said, "This is extremely rare, truly most rare! What merit do you have, sir, to have suddenly gained thirty years of life?" Tong told him of the aforementioned event. Those who heard of it and placed their faith in it were indeed numerous.