集神州三寶感通錄 3.80

3.80

東晉司空何充。弱而信法於齋立坐。數年以待神聖。設會於家。道俗甚盛。座中一僧容服垢污神色𤰞陋。自眾昇座拱默而已。一堂怪之。謂在謬僻。充亦不平形於顏色。及行中食僧飯於坐。事畢提鉢而出堂。顧充曰。何俟勞精進耶。即擲鉢空中陵虛而逝。充及道俗目送天際。追共惋恨。稽悔累旬云。

He Chong, Minister of Works of the Eastern Jin, had faith in the Dharma since his youth. He kept an empty seat at the vegetarian feasts for several years, waiting for a divine saint. He held a gathering at his home, where both clergy and laity gathered in great numbers. Among the assembled was a monk whose clothing was filthy and whose countenance was wretched. Rising from the assembly, he took the seat, merely clasping his hands in silence. The whole hall thought it strange, considering it an improper blunder, and He Chong's displeasure showed in his expression. When midday meal was served, the monk ate in his seat. The meal concluded, he took up his bowl and walked out of the hall. Looking back at He Chong, he said, 'Why should you wait, laboring in your vigor?' He then threw his bowl into the air and vanished by ascending into the void. He Chong and both clergy and laity watched him until he vanished on the horizon, subsequently regretting their actions in dismay and repenting for several weeks.