法苑珠林 61.10

61.10

The Jin śramaṇa Zhu Fayin, during the Taiyuan era of the Jin dynasty, was renowned as a person of excellence and was held in great regard. General Who Pacifies the North, Wang Wendu of Taiyuan, befriended him and was close to him. They once discussed the retribution of life and death, [noting that] it was shadowy, obscure, and difficult to comprehend; one could only grant its principle, but could not yet verify its reality. They therefore made a pact between them: whichever died first and still had consciousness, if he actually saw sins and blessings, he should report it to the other. Fayin later lived in Kuaiji and died after some years. Wang was in the capital and did not know of it. Suddenly he saw Fayin come; surprised and delighted, Wang comforted and greeted him. Fayin said, 'This impoverished monk died of illness at such-and-such a time. Sins and blessings are not empty; their resonance is like a shadow or an echo. The dānapati should diligently cultivate virtue to elevate and deliver his spirit. Since we had our former pact, I have come to report it to you.' When he finished speaking, he suddenly was seen no more. From then on, Wang became diligent in his faith and devotion.