法苑珠林 57.35

57.35

In Chang'an during the Jin dynasty, there was Bo Yuan, styled Fazu. His original surname was Wan, and he was a native of Henei. His intellect was acute and penetrating, remarkably agile and without peer. He recited eight to nine thousand words of scripture daily, and deeply savored the Vaipulya sūtras, wonderfully penetrating their subtle mysteries. He also comprehensively mastered secular classics and histories. Toward the end of Emperor Hui of Jin's reign, Fazu wished to retire into seclusion in Longyou to preserve his refined integrity, when he encountered Zhang Fu, the Inspector of Qinzhou. Previously, there was a man of the province named Guan Fan, who had debated doctrines with Fazu, was repeatedly bested, and bore deep resentment. He plotted with Fu, and Fu arrested Fazu to execute punishment. The crowd was full of indignation and sorrow. Fazu said: 'I have come to settle an old score. This was bound long ago in a past life, and is not a matter of the present.' He then called upon the Buddhas of the ten directions: 'Fazu joyfully settles this retribution for sins of former lives. I pray that from now on I may become a spiritual friend (kalyāṇamitra) to Fu, so that he does not incur the sin of killing a man.' He was then struck with fifty lashes and suddenly died. Later, Fu learned the full story and only then felt profound regret. Monastics and laity wept, and the crowd was stirred with indignation. Together they divided Fazu's remains and each built a stūpa-temple. Although Fu had talent and understanding, he was cruel and unreasonable, killing a virtuous monk without cause. Feng Shang, the Grand Protector of Tianshui, took advantage of a disorder to behead him when the people grew suspicious and terrified. Guan Fan also died. At that time, there was a man named Li Tong who died and revived. He reported seeing Dharma Master Fazu at King Yama's place preaching the Śūraṅgama-sūtra for the king; it was said that when the preaching ended, he was to proceed to Trāyastriṃśa Heaven. He also saw the Libationer Wang Fu—another source says the Daoist Master Ji—in chains and fetters, seeking repentance before Fazu. In former days, Fazu had often debated the orthodox and the heterodox with Fu, and Fu was repeatedly bested. Unable to contain his anger, Fu composed the Laozi huahu jing (Scripture on Laozi Converting the Barbarians) to slander the Buddha's teaching. As calamity ultimately falls where it belongs, only in death did he think of repentance. Sun Chuo's Daoxian lun (Treatise on Monks and Worthies) compared Fazu to Ji Kang, saying: 'Bo Zu's fault arose from Guan Fan, just as the calamity of the Master of the Center (Ji Kang) was brought about by Zhong Hui. Both worthies, endowed with extraordinary spirits, were heedless of thoughts of self-preservation. Resting their minds beyond mundane affairs, they slighted the world and invited disaster, which is scarcely different.' Such was the praise he received. (The preceding two verifications are from the Liang Gaoseng zhuan).