法苑珠林 97.63

97.63

In the Song period, there was a student studying far from home. His parents were burning a fire and working at night when their son came before them and sighed, saying: "Now I am merely a spirit soul, no longer a living person." His parents questioned him, and the son said: "Earlier this month I fell ill, and I died today at a certain hour. I am now at the home of Ren Zicheng in Langye. Tomorrow I am to be encoffined, so I came to welcome my parents." The parents said: "That is a thousand li away from here. Even if we wish to arrive, how could we reach you in time?" The son said: "Outside there is a carriage; if you go, you will naturally reach it." The parents followed him into the carriage. Suddenly, as if in a brief sleep, by cockcrow they had already arrived at the place. Looking at the conveyance, it was only a spirit carriage with wooden horses. Then the host met them, and they mourned their son in grief. Inquiring about the news of his illness, it was just as had been said. (The above evidential miracle is from the Soushen ji.)