法苑珠林 86.79

86.79

The Liang śramaṇa Fachong of Xuanwu Temple in the capital Yang[du] was surnamed Feng and was a native of Guanjun in Nanyang. When he was thirty-eight years old, the master of the Way Fayuan of Zhengsheng Temple, who was well versed in the arts of Fan and Xu, said to Fachong, 'When your years are fulfilled, you must die; there is no place to escape. Only by sincerely praying to the Buddhas, repenting prior transgressions, and casting them off may there perhaps be hope.' Chong therefore drew a mirror to check himself and saw that his face had a black vapor. Thereupon he sold his robes, bowl, and surplus provisions, and with all the proceeds purchased incense and offerings. Taking flight by boat eastward, he went straight to Haiyan. Dwelling in a quiet room at Guangxing [Temple], he performed repentance and paid homage, cutting off all contact with people. By day he forgot to eat and rest, and at night he did not loosen his garments. When he reached the final night of his fortieth year, he suddenly felt both ears swelling and aching, and he became even more terrified. That night, as his repentance reached the fourth watch, he heard someone outside the door say, 'Your karma of death is now exhausted.' He hurriedly opened the door, but saw nothing at all. The next morning, when he inquired, all said, 'The black vapor is completely gone, and on your two ears, bone has actually grown!' This was truly because the earnestness of his repentance cleansed away his sins, thereby causing his lifespan to be extended. On the sixteenth day of the third month of the fifth year of the Putong era, he passed away at his dwelling, at the age of seventy-four. (This single verification is from the Liang Gaoseng zhuan.)