集神州三寶感通錄 3.48

3.48

At the beginning of the Kaihuang era of the Sui, there was Dharma Master Tanyan of Hedong. When he first composed a commentary explaining the Nirvāṇa Sūtra, he feared it might not accord with the sage's intent. Thereupon he arranged the sūtra and the commentary before the Buddha's śarīra stūpa and burnt incense, announcing to the numinous holy ones: 'If what has been explained accords with reason, may a divine response be bestowed!' As soon as he finished speaking, each scroll-rod of the Nirvāṇa Sūtra emitted radiant light, and the great śarīra stūpa also emitted radiant light, ascending to the celestial sky and illuminating the four quarters afar. Monks and laypeople, thinking the temple had caught fire, rushed and ran in alarm; only upon arriving did they realize it was not so. For three days and three nights, the leaping flames did not cease. The Sui founder held him in deep esteem as a precept master, welcomed him into the capital, and built Yanxing Temple for him. His disciples are still alive today.