法苑珠林 32.44

32.44

When Confucius was trapped in Chen, he was playing the stringed instrument and singing in the lodge. At night, there was a man more than nine feet tall, dressed in black robes and wearing a high cap, who shouted loudly, shaking those on his left and right. Zigong stepped forward and asked, "Who are you?" [The man] thereupon seized Zigong and held him under his arm. Zilu drew [the man] outside and fought with him in the courtyard. After some time, neither had prevailed. Confucius observed him and saw that between the gaps in his armor, [the joints] occasionally opened to the width of a palm. Confucius said, "Why not reach into the gaps of his armor, pull [him], and strike vigorously?" Zilu did so, sinking his hands in, and [the man] collapsed to the ground. It was indeed a great catfish, over nine feet long. Confucius sighed and said, "Why has this creature come? I have heard that when things grow old, multitudes of spirits take refuge in them. It arrives by taking advantage of decline; why has it come here? Could it be because I have met with hardship, our provisions are exhausted, and my followers are ill? Truly, when the six domestic animals, as well as turtles, snakes, fish, softshell turtles, grasses, and trees grow old, spirits all rely on them and can cause anomalies. Therefore they are called the 'five mature ones' (you). The 'five mature ones' are those things that belong to the directions of the five elements. 'You' means old. Thus, when things grow old, they become monstrous. If one slays them, it ends there. What is there to worry about? Perhaps Heaven does not wish this culture to perish, and has tied my life to this? If not, why would it have arrived here?" He did not cease his playing and singing. Zilu cooked it; its flavor was rich, and those who were ill arose. The next day, they set forth. (The above thirteen verifications are from the Soushen ji.)