法苑珠林 91.54

91.54

Under the Tang dynasty, Li Siyi of Longxi now resides in Fuyang County of Xiang Prefecture. In the first month of the twentieth year of Zhenguan, he died, but revived after a day; the account is in the *Mingbao ji*. In the fifth month of the third year of Yonghui, he died again, and revived after one night. He related that because his allotted lifespan was not yet exhausted, he received the king’s favor and was released to return. Before the king, he saw the monk Bianqui of Faguan Temple in Fuyang County, Xiang Prefecture, and also saw the monks Hongliang and Huibao of Huifu Temple—three people in all, standing before the king. In their cross-examinations, he saw an official of the underworld say, “The time of Huibao’s death has not yet arrived; he ought to cultivate meritorious deeds. Bianqui and Hongliang will certainly die this year.” Bianqui and the others indeed passed away one after another that year. Later, the monks of the temple had a medium go to the former rooms of Hongliang and the others to summon the two monks and question them. Bianqui said, “Because I broke the fast, I am now receiving great suffering.” He also spoke to all his disciples, saying, “Hold a vegetarian feast for me to rescue and deliver me from hardship and torment.” The disciples immediately organized a feast for him. The medium also said, “Bianqui has already attained release from his sins.” Hongliang said, “Because I broke the fast and also spoke falsely of others’ faults, my tongue is now being ripped out in excruciating pain; I cannot speak much.” The monk Huiyong and others of Zhili Temple in Xiang Prefecture related this. (The above verification is from the *Mingbao shiyi*.)