法苑珠林 42.4

42.4

Ever since the Great Awakened One entered nirvāṇa, the Dharma has been entrusted to the assembly of holy ones. Bodhisattvas and arhats guide and propagate the teachings of the final age, flying to transform numerous realms and gathering disciples in accordance with conditions. Where conditions differ, people may share a room yet remain as separated as heaven and earth; where resonance coincides, beings from different realms meet face-to-face. At the end of the Taishi era of the Song dynasty, Shi Fayuan of Zhengsheng Temple and Shi Fajiang of Zhengxi Temple began to paint representations of the holy monks seated in order. Down to the beginning of the Tang dynasty, divine omens frequently descended: sometimes toes were revealed halfway between pillars, or the impression of a planted staff left a sunken mark in the flat ground. Thus, Emperor Liang [Wu], having heard of this, rejoiced in praise and looked up with a reverent heart. For any auspicious resonance concerning his household or the state, he invariably held vegetarian feasts and made offerings. In the eighth year of Yongming, the Emperor himself was unwell. Although the arts of Bian Que and Bo Cao were employed, he still remained bedridden upon his mats and pillows. He then concentrated his mind, made a vow, and took refuge in the holy monks. He issued an imperial decree ordering a seven-day prayer in the Yanchang Hall, offering meals to all the Buddhas and the assembly of holy sages. The fasting chamber was solemn and austere; not a speck of dust stirred. As the seven days drew to a close, a divine response was at last evoked: a wondrous heavenly fragrance pierced through nostrils and heart, outshining the censer so that it no longer retained any fragrant scent. Furthermore, the shadows of feet and impressions of sandals filled the hall, and the clear resonance of a vibrating khakkhara sounded outside the window. Seeing these traces and smelling the fragrance, all were awestruck and their souls stirred. At that time, Xu Guangxian and more than ten others all witnessed and heard this together, and immediately presented a memorial to the throne. Thereupon, as soon as the fasting assembly concluded, the imperial dining resumed in restored health. For this reason, the whole court took refuge, with clear proofs of divine resonance. Afterward, Xu Guangxian and several others, both clerical and lay, established a vegetarian assembly and made an invitation, and in every case there were auspicious signs. The interconnected resonances of the holy ones cannot be fully recorded.