廣弘明集 17.67

17.67

The memorial from Caozhou stated: On the twenty-ninth day of the third month, a red light appeared from the relics atop the inner citadel. On the fifth day of the fourth month, during the hour of the Monkey [3:00–5:00 p.m.], the relics manifested twin trees, and a lion also appeared. During the hour of the Pig [9:00–11:00 p.m.] on the fifth day, the relics manifested a golden light seven inches in length. On the sixth day, during the hour of the Rabbit [5:00–7:00 a.m.], a nāgapuṣpa tree appeared, beneath which Buddha images emerged together. At the hour of the Rabbit on the sixth day, a bright light appeared outside the lacquered shrine panel, resembling the colour of golden flowers. At the hour of the Monkey on the sixth day, images of transformation Buddhas, bodhisattvas, twin trees, and so forth appeared upon the northern panel of the lacquered shrine. At the hour of the Pig on the sixth day, yellow and white floral light, four to five inches in length, issued forth from inside the relic vihāra. On the eighth day, during the hour of the Dragon [7:00–9:00 a.m.], shapes such as clouds, mist, and golden light appeared behind the panel of the lacquered shrine. During the hour of the Snake [9:00–11:00 a.m.], behind the panel of the lacquered shrine, there appeared shadows of the twin śāla trees, lotus flowers, Buddha images, the Saṅgha, lion forms, and the like. At noon, five-coloured clouds appeared above the pagoda. In the afternoon, twin śāla groves, multistoried pavilions, and so forth manifested upon the inner panel of the lacquered shrine. On the ninth day, patterns of stacked stones and layered foundation courses appeared on the inner panel of the lacquered shrine. Beyond the armor, outside the panel of the lacquered shrine, a large śāla tree, a monk holding an incense burner, and other forms appeared, as well as a golden Buddha image, appearing just like the newly born body of the Prince, golden in colour. Behind were three monks wearing purple and yellow monastic robes, holding incense burners with their hands in offering; their fragrance was unlike earthly incense, and was constantly smelled every day.