集神州三寶感通錄 2.49

2.49

45. In the fourth year of the Xianqing reign of the Tang, Zu, Prefect of Fuzhou, prayed due to a severe drought without result. Someone saw a walking image on the mountain east of the prefecture, but no one could fathom its origin. When they attempted to move it, it clanged and would not budge. As the rumour spread, people near and far flocked to it together. A person from Tanzhou said: 'A temple there lost it; could it be here?' Following its path, two footprints appeared, each two feet long and separated by five li. Since the parching heat had lasted long, the prefect went to pray; all the officials and commoners of the prefecture walked with incense and flowers for about twenty li, weeping and reporting their situation with utmost earnestness. When three men were sent to carry it, it responded lightly, and they brought it back to the prefectural temple. Clouds gathered along the way, and that night heavy rain poured down, leading to a bountiful year. It is now in Fuzhou.