三寶感應要略錄 2.82

2.82

Formerly, the kingdom of Bishi was a small borderland. The royal lineage having been cut short, it was subjugated by neighboring territories. Noble, benevolent, and powerful people fled to other lands. Many hostile kings mutually came to invade and oppress it. At that time, there was a sage ruler named Tingyou, famed for his lofty wisdom. He pondered in his mind: "The verified proof of the Buddha Dharma is the Prajñāpāramitāhṛdaya-sūtra." Having made this contemplation, he commanded and announced to the men and women, old and young throughout the kingdom, that each should copy and recite the Prajñāpāramitāhṛdaya-sūtra. Setting the following morning as the start, he regulated them with punishments and encouraged them with promotions in rank. For three years, each morning they recited it diligently within the borders, and the dragon deities were pleased and joyful. At that time, various countries aroused evil intentions and marched toward the kingdom of Bishi; then their armies all collapsed in death. If robber bands came to that land, they naturally faltered and were lost. If rebels advanced toward its borders, they felt oppressed and rebellious below. At that time, the kingdom of Bishi was pacified; gradually reaching ten years, he became a great sage ruler over thirty-odd kingdoms. Respected by all regions, [he reigned over] thirty-four barbarian kingdoms and twenty-eight southern kingdoms, his name evoking two verified proofs. When other individuals copied and recited it to protect their reigns, practitioners routinely took it as a regular standard, and not a single sentient being failed to receive protection.