集神州三寶感通錄 3.30

3.30

During the Yongming reign era, there was the monk Hongming of Kuaiji, who resided at Yunmen Temple. He made reciting the Lotus Sūtra and performing rites of repentance his regular practice. Every morning his water pitcher would fill itself, for heavenly youths served as his attendants. Moreover, a tiger came into his room and prostrated before his bed, leaving only after a long time. Furthermore, he saw a small boy come to listen to the sūtra, who said: 'Formerly I was a novice at this temple. I stole food from the monastic kitchen, and now I have fallen into the privy. Because I heard the power of the Venerable One reciting the sūtra, I have come to listen. I pray that you will offer an expedient means to free me from this burden.' Ming preached the Dharma for him; only when he comprehended it did he vanish. Later, a mountain spirit came to trouble Ming. Ming seized his waist-cord and tied it up; the ghost apologized, whereupon he released it. Because of this, [trouble] ceased forever.