法苑珠林 90.57

90.57

Śramaṇa Shi Huitan of Dongchuan in the Sui was a man of unknown origins. Highly eloquent and intelligent, he had a clear and comprehensive understanding of both the Great and Small [Vehicles]. He resided at Baoming Temple, keeping all the scriptures close to his heart. On the fifteenth day of the fourth month, when it was time to recite the precepts, the monastic community all assembled in the hall, with Huitan presiding as the leader. He then addressed the assembly, saying: 'The precepts were fundamentally meant to guard against wrongdoing, and everyone can recite them. Why trouble the congregation to hear them over and over again? We should have a single monk establish a doctrinal thesis so that the younger generation may be enlightened.' Huitan had such an imposing manner and character that at the time no one dared oppose him; all complied with him. Up until the end of the second summer [retreat], the recitation of the precepts was regularly suspended. On the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when they were about to ascend the grass seat, Huitan went missing. Because the community had not yet received the new year [of seniority] and had neglected the invitation ceremony (pravāraṇā), they were thrown into sudden confusion and went out in all four directions to search for him. They finally found him about three li beside the temple amidst some ancient tombs. Blood was flowing over his entire body as if sliced by knives. When asked the reason, he said: 'A man holding a three-foot-long great sword, with a stern and angry expression, was enraged that I had altered the poṣadha and falsely substituted it with the establishment of doctrinal theses, and he sliced my body with the sword. The pain and poison were unbearable.' They then helped him back to the temple, where he repented with all his heart. For ten years thereafter, he made reciting the precepts, holding the poṣadha, and chanting the various scriptures his constant practice. On the day of his death, an extraordinary fragrance welcomed him; his countenance was undisturbed, and he passed away joyfully. All praised the auspicious sign, and the world was thereby chastened and reformed. (The one miracle above is taken from the Tang Gaoseng zhuan.)