法苑珠林 65.71

65.71

During the early to middle Yuanjia era of the Song dynasty, there was a novice from Huanglong named Tanwujie who recited the Avalokiteśvara Scripture and purely cultivated ascetic practices. Together with twenty-five followers, he went in search of the Buddha's realm. Experiencing famine and privation to the full, his loyal resolve grew ever firmer. After reaching the road to Śrāvastī in India, they encountered a herd of wild mountain elephants. Jie held the scripture, recited, called upon the name, and took refuge. A lion emerged from the forest, and the elephants fled in terror. Later a herd of wild bulls came bellowing and roaring, intending to cause harm. Jie again took refuge as before; a great eagle flew down, and the bulls scattered in panic. Thus they succeeded in escaping. (These two miracles are from the Mingxiangji.)