法苑珠林 63.38

63.38

In the time of the Qin dynasty, there were the Thousand-Li Waters of Zhongsu County. At Guanting, there was a shrine and altar to the river god. Anyone passing by who was not respectful and generous would surely run mad into the mountains and turn into a tiger. A commoner of Zhongchao County traveled to Luoyang and was returning home when he met a traveler on the road, who entrusted a letter to him, saying: “My home is in front of the shrine at Guanting; where a vine hangs between the rocks, that is it. Just strike the vine, and someone will naturally respond.” When he returned home, he followed these words, and indeed two men emerged from the water, took the letter, and submerged again. Soon they returned and said: “The River Earl wishes to see you, sir.” Without realizing it, the man followed them. Thereupon he saw fine and magnificent buildings, and the food and drink were fresh and fragrant. Their conversation and exchanges were no different from the human world.