法苑珠林 26.37

26.37

During the Yuan Wei dynasty, there was Chan Master Cheng of Beidai, who constantly upheld the Lotus Sūtra with diligent and unflagging effort. At the end of his life, his intermediate existence (antarābhava) took rebirth in the Xue clan of Hedong as their fifth son. Born able to speak, he related his past karma and did not wish to dwell in worldly life. His father served as Prefect of North Dizhou, and his fifth son accompanied him to his post. Reaching the Qidi Temple in Zhongshan, he sought out and found his disciple from his former life and said to him, "Do you recall crossing the river with me to go to Mount Lang? Chan Master Cheng was none other than myself. The memorial table in my room can be quickly removed." When the disciple heard this proof, he embraced his master, weeping with deep sorrow. The monks and laypeople were astonished, regarding it as a great sign. His parents were reluctant to part with him; fearing that he would leave the household, they arranged a marriage for him. Thereafter, he forgot the affairs of his past life, yet he constantly gave rise to revulsion [toward the world] and ever delighted in quiet dwelling. (The above one verification is from the Tang Gaoseng zhuan.)