法苑珠林 26.34

26.34

Wang Lian of the Jin, whose courtesy name was Xuanming, was a man of Langye. Under the Song, he was Palace Attendant. His father Min, whose courtesy name was Jiyan, was Director of the Secretariat under the Jin. An Indian monk known to him was always deeply respectful and pleased whenever he observed Min's style and demeanor; he would always say to his fellow students, "If in a future life I can become this man's son, it will suffice for my immediate wish." Min heard of this and teased him, saying, "The Master's talent and conduct would indeed be suitable to be my disciple's son." Shortly after, the śramaṇa fell ill and died. More than a year after his death, Lian was born. From the moment he could speak as a newborn, he understood foreign languages, and when shown rare treasures, bronze vessels, and cowrie pearls from distant lands that he had never seen in this life and whose names he had never heard, he immediately named them and knew their places of origin. Furthermore, he was naturally fond of Indians more than Chinese people. Everyone said that the śramaṇa had truly been his former life; therefore, Min gave him the style name Alian, which eventually became his primary name.