法苑珠林 52.40

52.40

The Tang lay practitioner Li Xin was a native of Taiping Village, Wenshui County, Bingzhou. He was a garrison soldier in the Longzheng Garrison. In the winter of the Xianqing era, he went on duty to Shuozhou according to standard rotation. He rode a bay mare and took along a filly. At that time, it was late in the year, overcast, and the wind and snow were severe and thick. After traveling more than ten li, the horse refused to proceed. As the reporting deadline was pressing, Xin whipped it several dozens of times. The horse then spoke in human words, saying to Xin: "I am your mother. Because during my lifetime I concealed [it] from your father and gave more than a dan of grain to my daughter, I incurred this retribution. This filly is your younger sister. We have nearly repaid our debt through physical labor; why do you torment and press us so harshly?" Hearing this, Xin was stunned and wept uncontrollably; he then bowed in apology. Personally taking the saddle and bridle onto his own back, he said: "If you are Xin's mother, you should return home on your own." The horse then walked forward, and Xin followed it home bearing the saddle and bridle. When Xin's brothers saw it, they mourned face to face, set up a separate shed and manger to feed and care for it, serving it just as they would their mother. They invited monks to hold vegetarian feasts, and everyone in the household became diligent in practice. The monastics and layfolk of the local community all marveled at it. At that time, Vice Minister of Works Wen Wuyin and Judicial Officer of Qizhou Zhang Jinting were both observing mourning for their parents. Hearing of this at home, they marveled at it and went to Xin's home to visit and enquire. Seeing that the horse was still there, they asked about the circumstances, and all was as had been transmitted. (The above two verifications are from the Mingbao shiyi.)