法苑珠林 31.5

31.5

It is heard that when sages and worthies respond to the world, their traces are without fixed direction; in whatever country they stay, there is none that is not benefited. Worldly scholars are constrained by auspiciousness and misfortune, while those of superior wisdom remain serene regarding good and bad. If one awaits them with a rectified mind, one's capacity is equal to Heaven. Formerly, in the era of Emperor Wu of the Jin, there was Jīvaka of India; in the early era of Emperor Wu of the Song, there was Beidu of Pengcheng. Both manifested portentous omens to illuminate and awaken the common folk. In the Qi and Liang dynasties there was the śramaṇa Baozhi, who first appeared at the beginning of the Yongming era. He concealed his wisdom under the guise of madness, his person mingling with the coarse dust; yet he hid the past and knew the future, and his spiritual efficacy never failed to hit the mark. When he stirred in expression or issued words, rarely was any counsel amiss. Scholars and commoners rushed to him like clouds wherever he was. His bodily traces were tied to the dust and grime, but his spirit roamed in profound tranquility. Fire and water could neither scorch nor wet him; snakes and tigers could not harm or poison him. Even when confined behind nine gates, his body remained unhindered to the end. In terms of Buddhist principles, he was at or above the śrāvaka level; in terms of reclusion, he was an escaped immortal and high-minded recluse. Because there was good in the world, he emerged with goodness to respond to it; because there was evil in the world, he emerged with severity to respond to it. He may truly be said to hang beside the sun and moon and outlast metal and stone. Limitless blessings are seen in this!