法苑珠林 28.40

28.40

the third year of Wude of the Tang, Ming walked calmly out from the palace of Luoyang. Though there were five concentric layers of guards, not a footprint of his was ever seen. Knowing for certain that the counterfeit capital was about to fall, he went west to reach the imperial capital. Emperor Taiwu had long heard of him and was deeply aware of his divine anomalies; he showed him extraordinary reverence and by decree had him reside at Huadu Temple. He frequently summoned him into the forbidden quarters to fully relate signs and omens, and subsequent events all matched his predictions. In the eighth month of that year, he suddenly disappeared. His robes, provisions, and utensils remained intact in his room. Imperial orders were immediately issued to pursue and track him, searching the entire realm far and wide, but nothing was found. Whenever people inquired of him for learning, he always instructed them to keep and uphold with determination the single Dharma of impartiality. Furthermore, his records predicting the future suffering, joy, and other retributions of both clergy and laity all proved wonderfully efficacious. Once, on walking to Zongchi Temple, he looked at the assembly of monks and said: 'Before long, blood will flow in this temple. You should all be cautious together.' Just then, the Metropolitan Rectors Fagai and others secretly ordained the sons and grandsons of Wang Shichong. Soon they were arrested and executed in the capital's marketplace. Only then did people regret their earlier lapse, when it was already too late.