法苑珠林 12.85

12.85

Examining the *Zhoushu yiji*, it says: In the twenty-fourth year of the reign of King Zhao of Zhou, on the eighth day of the fourth month in the year *jiayin*, rivers, springs, and pools suddenly flooded; well water overflowed, and mountains and streams trembled. A five-coloured light ascended and pierced the Great Subtlety, completely turning the western direction a bluish-red color. The Grand Astrologer Su You said, "A great sage has been born in the west. After one thousand years, his vocal teaching will reach here." King Zhao immediately ordered an inscription to be carved on stone to record it, and it was buried in front of the heavenly shrine in the southern suburbs. This was precisely the time of the Buddha's birth. Marquis Lü, the Prime Minister, rode the eight steeds of Hualiu and went in search of the Buddha, thereby averting calamity.