三寶感應要略錄 3.63

3.63

Zhao Wenshi was a native of Jingzhou. His parents held wrong views and did not believe in the Three Jewels. Wenshi served Avalokiteśvara. After his parents died, he thought: “My two parents held wrong views and lacked faith; I do not know where they are. I must depict images of the Six Avalokiteśvaras to rescue the six destinies. Would not my parents be among them?” He hired a skilled artisan to depict images of the Six Avalokiteśvaras, but before the colors were applied, he saw the Six Avalokiteśvaras in a dream at night. Wenshi joined his palms and addressed the Six Avalokiteśvaras, saying: “May the compassionate ones let me know where my parents have been born.” At that time, Avalokiteśvara of Great Compassion told Wenshi: “Your father is in the Great Scorching Heat Hell, suffering the agony of boiling and burning. Because you depict my image, I will go to that hell, emit light, preach the Dharma, and relieve the suffering of hell.” Avalokiteśvara of Great Kindness said: “If he shifts to the hungry ghosts, I shall save him. But your mother is currently among the hungry ghosts; I will go to that place, rain down nectar from my hand, make her fully sated, and preach the Dharma for her.” Fearless Lion Avalokiteśvara said: “If they shift into the animals, I shall deliver them.” Avalokiteśvara of Vastly Illuminating Great Light said: “If they shift among the asuras, I can save them.” Heroic Hero of Gods and Humans Avalokiteśvara said: “If they shift into the human path, I will show them the road to the Pure Land.” Avalokiteśvara of Profound and Far-Reaching Great Brahmā said: “If they are born in heaven, I can save them from the suffering of falling away and cause them to transcend the realm of the three existences.” When the Six Avalokiteśvaras finished speaking these words, he suddenly awoke. He then applied the colors, and as soon as it was completed it emitted light; seen from afar it was like the light of a lamp, but when approached it went out. Two men resembling the father of the dream came down riding purple clouds and told Wenshi: “Receiving the salvation of Avalokiteśvara, we have been reborn in the Pure Land.” Those who heard of it all said that Wenshi's parents had come to inform him.