法苑珠林 65.64

65.64

Lü Song of the Jin, courtesy name Maogao, was a native of Yanzhou. He was residing in Shifeng. The stream south of that county had swift currents and steep banks, winding like a coiled ribbon, and had many large rocks; even daytime travellers harboured fear and dread. Song recounted himself that his father was once travelling on the stream about ten li from home. As evening approached, the weather suddenly became wind-swept, rainy, and as black as pitch, so that he could no longer discern east from west. Convinced that he would capsize and drown, he solely turned his heart to Avalokiteśvara, both chanting and recollecting [her name]. In a moment, a torchlight came to the bank, as if held by someone, illuminating the stream with complete clarity, so that he was able to return home from afar. The light consistently led the way in front, ten-odd paces ahead of the boat. Song later associated with Xi Jiabin, and this was related by Xi.