法苑珠林 23.71

23.71

Wang Qiu, courtesy name Shuda, of the Song, was a native of Taiyuan. He served as the Grand Administrator of Fuling. In the ninth year of the Yuanjia era, having failed to defend his commandery, he was bound in prison. A heavy set of shackles was fastened upon him, strongly bolted and plated. Qiu had previously been energetic in practice; once imprisoned, his application of mind became even more earnest. There were over a hundred men in the prison, most of whom were starving. Every time Qiu had a meal, he would share it in charity, while he himself observed the fast each day and focused his mind on reciting Avalokiteśvara. At night, he dreamed that he ascended a high seat and saw a śramaṇa who gave him a roll of a sūtra entitled Chapter on the Inspection of Radiance, along with the names of various bodhisattvas. Qiu received and opened it to read, but forgot the name of the first bodhisattva. The second was Avalokiteśvara, and the third was Mahāsthāmaprāpta. He also saw a cart-wheel, and the śramaṇa said, “This is the wheel of the five destinies.” When he awoke, his shackles had all broken and fallen off. In his heart, Qiu knew it was divine power, and his dedicated devotion increased all the more. He then refastened and repaired his shackles. After three days had passed, he received a pardon. (The above three verifications are from the Mingxiang ji.)