集神州三寶感通錄 2.27

2.27

23. During the Yuanjia era of the Song (424–453 CE), the younger sister of Zhang Sengding of Zhijiang in Jingzhou had revered the Dharma since childhood, aspiring to leave the household. She constantly made offerings to a small golden image as provisions for the road ahead. But her parents forced her to marry; she pledged her resolve not to go, yet they secretly betrothed her to the Bing family. The girl was initially unaware. When the wedding gifts of lamb and goose arrived, the girl wept and cried out, refusing to comply, burning incense and prostrating on the ground to seek death. This image thereupon emitted a golden light that extended over the entire village. Her father and elder brothers were astounded by her sympathetic resonance and ceased trying to marry her off. The two households of Zhang and Bing were moved to great reverence and faith, and Sengding left the household on account of it. When the Song Chancellor, the Prince of Nanjun, garrisoned Shaan, he converted her residence into a monastery.