法苑珠林 12.95

12.95

Furthermore, Emperor Ming of the Han summoned Master Moteng from afar to come to Luoyang, and built Baima Temple outside the Yong Gate west of the city. This was the beginning of saṃghārāmas in the Han territory. Tradition relates that a foreign king once destroyed various temples, but only the Zhaoti Temple was not yet destroyed. At night, a white horse circled the stūpa, neighing sorrowfully. This was immediately reported to the king, and the king immediately halted the destruction of the various temples, changing the name of Zhaoti to Baima. Therefore, when naming various temples, many take this as their model.