集神州三寶感通錄 3.38

3.38

In the early Kaihuang reign era of the Sui dynasty, there was a monk of Yangzhou whose name has been lost, who was fluent in reciting the Nirvāṇa Sūtra and took pride in this as his practice. In a village below the eastern mountain of Qizhou, there was a novice who recited the Avalokiteśvara Sūtra. Both died suddenly at the same time, yet below their hearts remained warm. They arrived together at King Yama's place. Yama seated the novice on a high golden seat and treated him with great reverence; he seated the Nirvāṇa monk on a high silver seat and did not show him great respect. When the proceedings concluded and their records were examined, both monks had remaining lifespan, and both were released to return. That Nirvāṇa monk felt deep resentment, relying on the fact that he had recited so much, and asked the novice where he lived. Thereupon both took their leave and each revived in his own locality. That [monk] came from the south to Qizhou, located the novice, and thoroughly questioned him about the reason. The novice said: 'Whenever I recite Avalokiteśvara, I put on distinct robes, stay in a distinct place, burn incense, and make vows; only then do I recite. I never slacken in this practice, and have no other art.' That monk apologized, saying: 'My sin is deep indeed! When I recited the Nirvāṇa Sūtra, my deportment was disorderly, and my body and mouth were impure; I only recited to prevent forgetting. As the ancients' bequeathed saying goes: "Much evil is not as good as a little good." Today its verification is seen.' Repenting of the past, he returned home.