法苑珠林 18.18

18.18

In the Song, the monk Huiyan was a monk of Dong'an Temple in the capital. His theoretical thinking was harmonious and unimpeded, and he was regarded as a vessel of talent by clergy and laity alike. He once disliked that the Mahāparinirvāṇa-sūtra had too many words, and so he edited and excised it, making it into a few scrolls. He copied two or three sets to show to like-minded friends. While half-asleep, he suddenly saw a person over two zhang tall, of magnificent and imposing bearing, who said to him: "The noble Nirvāṇa Sūtra is the sovereign of all canonical collections! How can you use your petty thoughts to carelessly weigh and cut it?" Yan felt despondent and troubled, yet still held to his original intent, stubbornly seeking extensive knowledge. The following evening, as he was about to lie down, he saw the person from the previous day again, looking extremely angry, who said to him: "'To err and know to reform—this is called having no error.' I purposefully informed you yesterday, yet you still have not stopped? Not only does this sūtra [of yours] lack correct principle, but disaster will also soon reach you!" Yan awoke with a start, losing his composure. Before dawn broke, he dispatched a messenger to retrieve all copies and burn them completely. The monk Daoyan of Chenwai Hermitage heard the full account.