法苑珠林 62.83

62.83

At the Zhaoti Temple in Liangzhou, there was a śramaṇa named Shi Yan. He left home while young. When he was first a novice monk, there was a physiognomist who was skilled in divination and fortune-telling. He said to Master Shi Yan, 'Although you, Master, are exceptionally clever and possess sharp wisdom, your lifespan is short and will not exceed ten days.' Having heard these words, Master Shi Yan invited various venerable elders to discuss together what supreme merit could be performed to extend his life. The venerable elders replied, 'According to the Buddha's holy teachings, upholding the Diamond Prajñā Sūtra produces the greatest merit. If you can uphold it well, you will certainly gain an increased lifespan.' Master Shi Yan accepted the instruction, entered the mountains, and made a firm resolution. In body and mind, he upheld the Prajñā Sūtra. For the remaining five years, he indeed saw his life prolonged. Later, when he left the mountains, he met the physiognomist again. The physiognomist was astonished and said to Master Shi Yan, 'What merit have you cultivated recently that you have obtained such a long lifespan?' Master Shi Yan fully recounted his previous intention, which had brought about this result. The physiognomist praised him and rejoiced with him incessantly. Later, Master Shi Yan excelled in scholarship, skillfully propagating the sūtras and treatises, thoroughly examining the Buddha's Dharma, and became a venerable elder who maintained the Dharma. He lived beyond ninety years of age and passed away in the temple.