法苑珠林 95.43

95.43

During the Jin dynasty, an Assistant Officer of the Consultative Section in Nanjun surnamed Ou fell ill for over a year, his flesh wasting away to bone. Sorcerers and doctors were exhausted, with no further methods or remedies. His son fell into a light sleep at night and dreamed of several śramaṇas coming to look at his father. The next morning, he went to a Buddhist stūpa-monastery and saw various śramaṇas. He asked what kind of spirit the Buddha was, and the śramaṇas explained the matter to him. He then brought the religious men back and requested them to recite sūtras. After two nights, the patient felt his illness lighten. During the day, he took a brief nap and seemed to lift his head to see dozens of small children at the doorway, all in five-colored clothes; some held banners and staffs, and some held knives and spears, rushing in through the doorway. Two children in front went straight to the curtain, but suddenly ran back and said to the crowd behind: 'Wait a moment, wait a moment! The room is completely filled with men of the Way!' Thereupon they did not come forward again. From this time on, the illness gradually improved. (This verification is from the Linggui zhi.)