集神州三寶感通錄 3.52

3.52

Li Shanlong of Fengyi, Commandant of the Right Gate Guard, died suddenly during the Wude era; his heart remained warm for seven days, after which he revived. He said that when he first arrived before the official hall, there were several thousand prisoners bound with cangues and locks. He saw a great official sitting upon a high seat in the hall; asking a bystander what official he was, the person replied: 'He is the King.' Thereupon he went to the steps, and [the King] asked: 'What meritorious deeds did you perform during your life?' Long said: 'When villagers held assemblies, I always donated goods along with them.' [The King] further asked: 'What other wholesome deeds did you perform?' Long said: 'I recited two scrolls of the Lotus Sūtra.' The King said: 'Excellent! You may ascend the steps, approach the high seat to the east, and recite it.' Thereupon, raising his voice, he began: 'The Wonderful Dharma Lotus Sūtra, Introductory Chapter, Number One.' The King said: 'Pray stop, Dharma Master. Your recitation just now not only benefited yourself, but also caused all the prisoners in the courtyard to be spared upon hearing the Dharma.' The prisoners vanished in silence. He was then released to return. He saw in detail the cessation of the five torments of hell, which also ceased on account of hearing the sūtra.