法苑珠林 48.70

48.70

During the Qi, at Dajue Temple in the east of Ye, was the śramaṇa Sengfan, whose secular surname was Li, a native of Pingxiang. His precept-virtue was pure and lofty, observing the prohibitions without flaw. Once he lodged at another temple, wishing to hear the recitation of the precepts. When it came to the night of the precept recitation on the fifteenth day, the assembly deliberated together to suspend the recitation of the precepts and instead hold a Dharma gathering. A monk ascended the seat, intending to set forth doctrinal positions, introducing it by saying, 'To firmly debate the characteristics of phenomena accords deeply with the sage's words; the poṣadha is routinely heard, but prevailing in philosophical contest is superior.' Suddenly they saw a spirit over ten feet in height, of exceedingly formidable appearance, towering and terrifying, who came before the seat. He asked the monk presenting the thesis, 'What day is today?' The monk answered, 'It is the day of poṣadha.' The spirit immediately struck him with his hand, dragging him down from the seat, leaving him battered and near death. Next he asked the senior elder (sthavira), and the exchange was the same; he struck him and also left him near death. After striking down two or three elders, the spirit swung his arms and walked out. At that time monastics and laypeople alike witnessed this, and they were not few. After Master Fan witnessed this anomaly, he exerted himself diligently and likewise spurred on the great assembly. Throughout his entire life, no one dared to merely declare their consent (chanda); even if one was gravely ill and unable to bear being carried in a sedan chair, they would invite the saṃgha to go to the patient's place to reverently recite the precepts. The monks and nuns of the entire region received this warning and discipline; when the day of poṣadha arrived, they also never violated the Dharma. (The above four admonitions are from the Liang Biographies of Eminent Monks.)