法苑珠林 18.35

18.35

About forty li west of Xinfan County, northwest of Yizhou in the Tang, lies Wangli Village. During the Sui period, there was a scholar surnamed Xun who taught here; he was exceptionally skilled in calligraphy but did not reveal his talent. When people asked him to write, he would never agree; even when they pressured him, he still refused. Eventually, using his brush in the open air to the east of the front village, he wrote the Diamond Prajñā Sūtra in all four directions. In a few days it was finished, and he said, 'This scripture is intended for the various devas to read.' At first, people were unaware of its miraculous nature. Later, there was suddenly a torrential downpour with thunder and rain. Cowherd boys stopped at the place where the sūtra had been written, and they were not drenched at all; the ground remained dry for about a zhang around. Beyond it, runoff flooded, and when it cleared, the villagers marveled at it. Thereafter, whenever it rained, the boys would always gather there, and their clothes would not get wet. In the Wude reign era, an extraordinary monk said to the villagers, 'In the empty air above this ground is the Diamond Prajñā Sūtra; do not defile it. The devas have spread canopies above to cover it; it must not be treated lightly or with disrespect.' Because of this, railings were erected all around, forbidding people and livestock from going there. Even down to the present, when it rains the ground is still dry. Every vegetarian feast day, villagers from all directions go to the place to set out offerings. They often hear heavenly music, its sound resonating plaintive and melodious, rich and full to the ears. (The above five verified records are from the Sanbao gantong ji.)