法苑珠林 39.20

39.20

白塔寺。在秣陵三井里。晉升平中有鳳皇集此地。因名其處為鳳皇臺。至宋升明二年。齊太祖起。造立寺之始。咸以山高難於谷汲。比丘法和爰發誓云。若此地可居。當使自然出水。乃於食堂前試鑿井。曾不數仞而清泉湛然。甘香清美。流未嘗竭。

Baita Temple is in Sanjing Ward of Moling. During the Shengping era of the Jin, a fenghuang gathered at this place, and the site was consequently named Fenghuang Terrace. In the second year of the Shengming era of the Song, when Emperor Taizu of Qi arose, he founded the temple. At its inception, everyone considered that because the mountain was high, drawing water from the valley would be difficult. Thereupon the monk Fahe made a vow, saying: 'If this place is fit to dwell in, let water spring forth naturally.' He then made a trial excavation of a well in front of the refectory. Before it reached even several fathoms, a clear spring welled up serenely, sweet, fragrant, pure, and fine, its flow never drying up.