法苑珠林 49.45

49.45

Wang Xuzhi was a man of Xichang in Luling. At the age of thirteen he lost his mother, and at thirty he lost his father. For twenty years, neither salt nor vinegar touched his mouth. He fell ill and was confined to bed. Suddenly a person came to inquire after his illness, saying to him, 'Your illness will soon recover.' In a short while, he was gone. Moreover, the house where he lived shone with light at night, and an orange tree in the courtyard bore fruit three times in the depth of winter. His illness indeed soon healed. All considered this to be moved by his utmost filial piety. (The above verification is taken from Song Gong's Xiaozi zhuan.)