往生集

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II. KINGS AND OFFICIALS WHO ATTAINED REBIRTH

1. The King of Wuchang

Whenever he had leisure from affairs of state, the king delighted in studying the Buddhadharma. He once said to his close ministers: “Although I am the king of a nation and enjoy blessings and pleasures, I still cannot escape impermanence. I have heard that the Pure Land in the West can bring peace and spiritual nourishment; I must vow to be born in that land.” From then on, throughout the six periods of day and night, the king single-mindedly recited the Buddha’s name.

He also regularly made offerings to the Buddha and held vegetarian feasts for the Sangha; the king and queen personally presented food to the monks. He continued doing so for thirty years without missing a single day. When the king passed away, his countenance was exceptionally radiant, and a manifestation Buddha came to welcome him.

Many auspicious signs appeared at the time of his death.

Note:

In the age of the decline of the Dharma, many people without rank or position hear the Dharma, accept it with faith, and put it into practice; by contrast, very few people of rank hear the Dharma, give rise to faith, and practice it. Those of the most exalted status, such as kings and officials, who hear the Dharma and then give rise to faith and practice are fewer still. Why is this?

The higher one’s position, the greater one’s desires; and the greater one’s desires, the deeper one’s attachment and defilement. In the present age, it is rare for people of great power and high office to avoid the temptations of ambition. Therefore, if one who enjoys the sensual pleasures of royalty does not forget to recite the Buddha’s name and seek rebirth in the West, how could this be possible unless one had planted wholesome affinities over many lifetimes?

Although from ancient times until the present there have been many sovereigns who devoted themselves to studying the Buddhist scriptures, why are they not recorded here? Because this work concerns only rebirth in the Pure Land, they have not been included.

2. The Heir Apparent of the Song Dynasty

The Heir Apparent and his two sons all practiced the Dharma gateway of Buddha-recitation; only his wife refused to practice. The Heir Apparent’s younger sister died at the age of fourteen. Seven days after her death, she suddenly came back to life and said to her mother: “I saw in the seven-jeweled pond of the Western Land that there were already lotus flowers for Father, my two brothers, and me. After Father and my two brothers pass away, they will be born there. Only Mother has no lotus flower. That is why I have returned to tell you, hoping that you will take heed.” Deeply moved by her daughter’s words, the mother immediately gave rise to faith and recited the Buddha’s name tirelessly. After she passed away, she too attained rebirth in the Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Note:

At first, the mother lacked an affinity with the Pure Land, yet in the end she too was born in the Land of Ultimate Bliss. Thus, whether or not one attains rebirth depends solely upon whether or not one has faith. The sutra states: “Only those who lack faith are excluded and cannot attain rebirth.”

3. Liu Yimin, Military Adviser of the Jin Dynasty

He was a native of Pengcheng and a descendant of King Yuan of Chu of the Han dynasty. Having lost his father at an early age, he devoted himself wholeheartedly to caring for and supporting his mother and was renowned for his filial piety. Confident in his own abilities, he did not associate with mediocre people.

He served as a military adviser in the government office, but before long he hastily withdrew into seclusion. Xie An and Liu Yu recommended him for office many times, but he declined and would not enter the imperial court. For this reason, the emperor bestowed upon him a plaque bearing the title “Yimin,” meaning “Recluse.” He later went to Mount Lu and joined Master Huiyuan’s White Lotus Society practice center.

He composed the “Poem on the Samadhi of Buddha-Recitation” to express his utmost sincerity. On many occasions while in samadhi, he saw the Buddha’s radiance shine upon the ground, turning it golden.

Fifteen years later, again at Mount Lu, he saw Amitabha Buddha emit light from between his eyebrows and extend his hand downward to comfort him. At that moment, Yimin prayed: “How might I receive the Tathagata’s hand upon my head and be covered by his robe?” As soon as he finished praying, the Buddha suddenly extended his hand, stroked his head, and covered his body with his robe.

On another day, he again saw himself entering the seven-jeweled pond.^[1] Blue and white lotus flowers grew in the pond, and its water was crystal clear. At that moment, a person suddenly appeared with a halo above his head and the character 卍 upon the center of his chest. Pointing to the water in the pond, he said: “This is water endowed with the eight virtues.^[2] You may drink it.” Yimin immediately scooped up the water and drank; it was cool and sweet.

After awakening, he still remembered the experience with perfect clarity, and a wondrous fragrance issued from the pores of his body. He told everyone: “The time has come for me to return to the Pure Land.” Having said this, he went before the Buddha image, burned incense, bowed to the Buddha, and prayed: “Through the instruction of Shakyamuni Buddha, I came to know of Amitabha Buddha. I first offer this incense to Shakyamuni Tathagata, and then to Amitabha Buddha and the Sutra of the Lotus Flower of the Wondrous Dharma.

May all sentient beings be born in the Pure Land!” After completing this prayer, he sat facing west, joined his palms, and passed away. This occurred in the sixth year of the Yixi era ⁽⁴¹⁰⁾.

Note:

The preface to the Sutra of the Contemplation of the Buddha of Infinite Life states: “The primary cause of pure karma begins with filial care and support for one’s parents.” Therefore, one should understand that even if an unfilial person recites the Buddha’s name all day long, the Buddha will not welcome that person. Yimin knew from a very early age to care for and support his mother. Moreover, he abided deeply in meditative concentration and elicited auspicious signs on many occasions. From this, one may know that he was certain to attain rebirth in a high grade. Most lay practitioners of pure karma regard him as a shining example for all ages.

4. Zhang Ye, Rongcai^[3] of the Jin Dynasty

He was a native of Xunyang and was proficient in both Chinese and Sanskrit. He excelled in literature and passed the xiucai examination. The imperial court repeatedly invited him to assume the office of Cavalier-in-Regular-Attendance, but he declined every time. Later, he went to Mount Lu and cultivated pure karma at Master Huiyuan’s White Lotus Society practice center. In the fourteenth year of the Yixi era ⁽⁴¹⁸⁾, he bade farewell to everyone, entered his pure chamber, sat upright, and passed away.

5. Scholar Zhang Kang of the Song Dynasty

Whenever he performed any wholesome deed, he dedicated its merit to the Buddha. He vowed to recite the Great Compassion Dharani one hundred thousand times in order to seek rebirth in the Pure Land. At the age of sixty, he became gravely ill and single-mindedly recited the Buddha’s name. One day, he summoned his family and said: “The Western Pure Land is now before our house. Amitabha Buddha is seated upon a lotus flower, and a child is standing upon the golden ground, bowing to the Buddha.” Having said this, he recited the Buddha’s name and passed away. The child was Zhang Kang’s grandson, who had died at the age of three.

Note:

When the mind is pure, the Western Land appears before one’s eyes; when the mind is defiled, hell follows close beside one. Zhang Kang’s mind had become completely pure, and so he saw the Buddha before his house. How could there be any further doubt?

6. Judicial Officer Wang Zhonghui of the Song Dynasty

He held office as a judicial military adviser in Guangzhou. One day, he asked Wuweizi Yang Jie: “Why do the sutras instruct people to seek rebirth in the Pure Land, while the patriarchs teach that the mind itself is the Pure Land and that it is not necessarily needful to seek it?”

Yang Jie replied: “Consider this for yourself. If one dwells in the realm of the Buddha, where there is neither purity nor defilement, what need is there to seek rebirth? Conversely, if one has not yet escaped the condition of sentient beings, how could one fail to recite the Buddha’s name with utmost sincerity, leave the defiled land far behind, and seek rebirth in the pure land?” The Judicial Officer understood and joyfully took his leave.

Two years later, while Dương Kiệt was serving as Prefect of Đan Dương Commandery, he suddenly dreamed one night that the scholar Vương Trọng Hồi said to him: “Formerly, through your instruction, I attained rebirth in the Pure Land. Today I have come especially to thank you.” Several days later, news of his death arrived, stating: “The scholar Vương Trọng Hồi knew seven days in advance that his life would end, so he bade farewell to his relatives and then passed away.” It was indeed exactly as Dương Kiệt had seen in his dream!

7. In the Tang Dynasty, County Commandant Mã Tử Vân

He lived during the , passed the Filial and Incorrupt examination, and was recommended for appointment as County Commandant of Kinh Ấp. Later, while escorting money and precious jewels to the capital, he encountered a storm on the journey. The ship sank, and he was arrested and imprisoned. During his confinement, he single-mindedly recited the Buddha’s name. Five years later, he was released. Thereafter, he entered a monastery on Mount Nam Lăng and lived there in seclusion. One day, he said to everyone: “Throughout my life I have diligently recited the Buddha’s name. Now my wholesome conditions for the Western Land have fully ripened, and I shall certainly attain rebirth in the Land of Peace and Bliss.”

The following morning, he bathed and cleansed himself, put on fresh clothes, sat upright with palms joined, and recited the Buddha’s name. An extraordinary fragrance pervaded the entire room. Smiling, he said: “The Buddha has come to receive me.” As soon as he finished speaking, he passed away.

Note:

Though his body was imprisoned, his mind was wholly devoted to reciting the Buddha’s name, and in the end he received a pardon. This is like the statement in the Universal Gateway chapter of the Lotus Sutra: “If those who are imprisoned and bound in chains recite the name of the bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, they will immediately be released.” Are those now fettered by the five desires not likewise imprisoned? A single recitation of the Buddha’s name can extinguish the grave offenses of birth and death accumulated throughout eight billion kalpas; how could this not be the essential means of deliverance from guilt? Those who are immersed in the five desires and do not know to recite the Buddha’s name will suffer punishment forever, with no time appointed for pardon. How truly pitiable!

8. In the Song Dynasty, Commandery Assistant Cổ Thuần Nhân

He was a native of Hiệp Xuyên and served as deputy prefect of Dĩnh Châu. He single-mindedly cultivated the pure karma, maintained lifelong vegetarianism, and recited the Buddha’s name. Later, afflicted by only a slight illness, he sat upright facing west and passed away. At the time of his death, a luminous halo appeared above the crown of his head, and an extraordinary fragrance pervaded the entire room.

9. In the Song Dynasty, Assistant Instructor Trương Địch

He was a native of Tiền Đường and rose in office to the position of Assistant Instructor. He received the bodhisattva precepts and studied the Pure Land Dharma gate under Vinaya Master Viên Tịnh. From then onward, he wholeheartedly recited the Buddha’s name and vowed to be reborn in the Land of Peace and Bliss. Whenever he recited the Buddha’s name, he did so in a loud voice and would not stop even when his voice became hoarse. One day, he said to Vinaya Master Viên Tịnh: “While in samadhi, I saw white kalavinka birds flying before me.” Three years later, he faced west, sat upright reciting the Buddha’s name, and passed away.

Note:

Why did he see only kalavinka birds and not the Buddha? Because this was merely a provisional vision at the beginning; in the end, he would see the Buddha! Was this not a gradual entrance into a wondrous realm?

10. In the Song Dynasty, Imperial Academy Scholar Vương Long Thư

His personal name was Vương Nhật Hưu. A native of Long Thư, he was incorruptible and upright and thoroughly understood the classics and histories. One day, he cast all these aside and said: “Everything I have studied is not the ultimate Dharma. My aim is to seek rebirth in the Western Land.” From then onward, for sixteen consecutive years, he diligently recited the Buddha’s name and lived on coarse clothing and simple food. Each day he made one thousand prostrations before the Buddha and did not sleep until midnight. He wrote Long Thư’s Treatise on the Pure Land^[5] to exhort people of the world to recite the Buddha’s name.

Three days before his death, he went to bid farewell to everyone and said: “We shall not meet again.” When the appointed time arrived, after he had finished reading, he made prostrations and recited the Buddha’s name as usual. Suddenly, he loudly recited “Amitabha Buddha” and said: “The Buddha has come to receive me.” As soon as he finished speaking, he passed away while standing perfectly upright, like a planted tree. People in his village dreamed that two persons dressed in blue came and led him westward. From then onward, every household venerated him.

Note:

In Long Thư, he urged everyone to arouse the resolve to recite the Buddha’s name and seek rebirth in the Western Land. He was a man of unsurpassed integrity and sincerity, one who did not merely speak empty words but always acted in accordance with what he said. At the time of his death, extraordinary signs appeared; he is a shining example for all generations. Alas! Was he not one of the sages of the Pure Land who entered the marketplace and extended a hand to save others?

11. In the Song Dynasty, Remonstrance Official Giang Công Vọng

He was a native of Điếu Đài and rose in office to the position of Remonstrance Councilor. He ate only vegetables and fruit and devoted himself to cultivation. He composed the Treatise on Bodhi and the Treatise on Skillful Means for Buddha-Recitation to encourage monastics and laypeople to practice.

He had a son who unfortunately died young. One day, his son appeared to him in a dream and reported: “Your cultivation, Father, has borne fruit. In the underworld there is a golden-lettered plaque that reads: ‘Giang Công Vọng, Prefect of Nghiêm Châu and Remonstrance Official, yearns for the Buddhist teachings on suffering and emptiness.

He therefore cultivates diligently, his mind free from attachment and defilement. His every action accords with the Buddha-Dharma; when he speaks, it is in accord with the true Dharma, and when he is silent, it is in accord with the true Dharma. After relinquishing this retributive body, he will certainly attain rebirth in the Pure Land.’” At the end of the Tuyên Hòa era (1125), he was serving as Administrative Assistant for the Guangde Military Prefecture.

One day, though free from illness, he sat upright facing west and passed away.

Note:

Some say: “I fear that the account of a plaque being displayed in the underworld cannot be true!” Alas! An image of Master Vĩnh Minh was often depicted in the underworld, and the account related by the monk who circumambulated the stupa was true. Why, then, should only the story of Giang Công Vọng be doubted?

12. In the Song Dynasty, Grand Master Cát Phồn

He was a native of Trừng Giang. While still young, he passed the imperial examinations and rose in office to the rank of Court Grand Master^[6]. Whether at his government office or his private residence, he always constructed a pure chamber and installed a Buddha altar. He frequently entered the chamber to recite sutras and bow to the Buddha, and in response, sariras fell from the sky. In his daily life, he widely encouraged both monastics and laypeople to cultivate the practice of pure karma; very many people placed their faith in it and practiced accordingly. One day, a monk entered samadhi, projected his spirit to the Pure Land, and saw Cát Phồn there. Later, though free from illness, Cát Phồn sat facing west and passed away.

Note:

There were very many officials who believed in the Buddha, but most concealed it outwardly to avoid the suspicions and censure of the world. Cát Phồn, by contrast, did not forget to install an image of the Buddha even in his government office; this demonstrated his true faith in the Buddha-Dharma! Later, he passed away while seated upright; this was no mere coincidence.

13. In the Song Dynasty, Palace Eunuch Lí Bỉnh

He served as a palace eunuch in Thiệu Hưng and administered the Imperial Medicines Institute. At first, he studied Chan under Master Tịnh Từ Huy and gained a measure of awakening. In his old age, he happened to read Long Thư’s Treatise on the Pure Land and thereafter resolved to recite the name of Amitabha Buddha every day. Together with Các Trường Nguyên, Mỹ Điện Trường, Lâm Sư Văn, and several dozen others, he established a Pure Land practice society at Truyền Pháp Monastery. One day, he suddenly fell ill and dreamed that Amitabha Buddha placed a halo of pure gold upon his head. Seven days later, he again saw golden flowers filling the room. He then gave his final instructions, bade farewell to his relatives, sat upright, formed a mudra, and passed away.

14. In the Song Dynasty, Proclamation and Righteousness Officer Hồ Nhân

He served as an official and rose to the rank of Proclaiming Righteousness. Although he had always believed in the Buddhadharma, he did not yet clearly understand the Pure Land Dharma-gate. At the age of eighty-four, he became gravely ill, and his son invited Chan Master Qingzhao to come and instruct him. Master Qingzhao asked Hu Ren:

– Do you know where to establish yourself and settle your life?

Hu Ren replied:

– When the mind is pure, the Buddha-land is pure.

Master Qingzhao asked:

– From the beginningless past until now, have you had defiled deluded thoughts?

Hu Ren replied:

– Who, while dwelling in this world, has no distracting thoughts?

Master Qingzhao said:

– If so, how can you attain the purity of the Buddha-land through purity of mind?

Hu Ren said:

– How can reciting the Buddha’s name just once extinguish the grave offenses of birth and death accumulated over eight billion kalpas?

Master Qingzhao said:

– Amitabha Buddha made vows and cultivated for immeasurable kalpas. His majestic virtue is vast, and his light and spiritual power are inconceivable. Therefore, reciting the Buddha’s name once can extinguish immeasurable offenses, just as sunlight melts frost and snow. How, then, can you still doubt!

Hu Ren immediately awakened. That very day, he invited monks to his home to recite the Buddha’s name. The following day, Master Qingzhao came again. Hu Ren asked, “Why have you come so late? The two great bodhisattvas arrived long ago.”

Master Qingzhao then instructed the assembly to recite the Buddha’s name loudly. Hu Ren joined his palms and passed away.

Note:

Hu Ren attained rebirth because he encountered Master Qingzhao. His son’s act of inviting Master Qingzhao may indeed be called great filial piety! Some people in the world, clinging to petty affection, cause their parents to break the precepts of fasting and abstinence. This is truly a mistake.

15. In the Song Dynasty, Judicial Commissioner Yang Wuwei

His personal name was Yang Jie. He was a native of Wuwei Prefecture and styled himself Master Wuwei. He passed the civil service examination while still young and later served as a Vice Director in the Ministry of State Ceremonial, overseeing judicial affairs in the Two Zhe Circuits.

He deeply revered the Buddhadharma and awakened to the Chan tradition. He said, “The capacities of sentient beings vary from high to low. Only the Dharma-gate of the Western Pure Land is easy to understand and easy to practice.

One need only single-mindedly contemplate and recollect the Buddha, gather in the deluded mind, and rely upon the power of the Buddha’s vows; one will then certainly attain rebirth in the Land of Peace and Nurture.” He wrote the preface to Tiantai’s Treatise on Ten Doubts,^[7] as well as Record of Amitabha’s Jeweled Pavilion, Thirty Hymns on the Land of Peace and Nurture, and the preface to the Collection Resolving Doubts about the Pure Land, thereby propagating the teachings and contemplative practices of the Western Pure Land and guiding sentient beings of later generations.

In his old age, he had an image of Amitabha Buddha made, one zhang and six chi tall, as an object of contemplation. When the day of his death approached, Amitabha Buddha came to receive him, and he passed away sitting upright. He composed this verse:

In life, there is nothing to cling to;

In death, there is nothing to relinquish.

Zhi, hu, zhe, ye in the boundless emptiness;

Taking error into error—to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Note:

On reading Master Wuwei’s verse, some have said, “Master Wuwei practiced Chan and perceived the true nature, yet he still took the Pure Land as his destination.” Even the single phrase “Taking error into error” contains no small measure of meaning. Alas! How many outstanding people in the human world can attain this error!

16. In the Song Dynasty, Surveillance Commissioner Wei Wenzhen

Lofty in character and sincere in conduct, he established a Pure Karma practice center to teach and transform the people. One day in the sixth month, he sat in the lotus posture facing west, joined his palms, recited the Buddha’s name, and passed away. At the time of his death, a wondrous fragrance spread everywhere, and everyone perceived it.

17. In the Song Dynasty, Duke Lu, Wen Yanbo

Together with Dharma Master Jingyan, he assembled one hundred thousand people and founded a Pure Land association in the capital. As death approached, he sat reciting the Buddha’s name and passed away peacefully.

18. In the Song Dynasty, Vice Minister Ma Yu

Ma Yu’s grandfather was Duke Zhongsu. While serving as prefect of Hangzhou, Ma Yu’s grandfather was taught to recite the Buddha’s name by Ciyun, Master of Repentance. Consequently, everyone in the family revered and venerated the Buddha. Ma Yu recited the Buddha’s name with utmost sincerity for twenty-five years. During the Chongning era, in 1102, he became slightly ill. He bathed, changed his clothes, sat upright, and passed away. At the time of his death, a vapor resembling a blue parasol rose from the doorway of his room into the sky and disappeared. Everyone in the household dreamed that he had attained rebirth in the highest grade.

19. In the Song Dynasty, Junior Preceptor Zhongli

While serving as Judicial Commissioner in Western Zhe, he encountered Ciyun, Master of Repentance, and thereafter placed his wholehearted faith in the Pure Land. Later, he held the office of prefect in Kaifeng. When away from home, he devoted himself wholeheartedly to serving the country; when at home, he never forgot to recite the Buddha’s name. Suddenly, one day, he urged his family to help him rise. He bathed, changed his clothes, sat upright, and passed away. The entire household saw him seated upon a blue lotus, welcomed by celestial music and escorted westward.

20. In the Song Dynasty, Court Attendant Yan Bangrong

He was a native of Chizhou and, for twenty years, upheld the Rebirth Dharani and recited the Buddha’s name. As his death approached, members of his household dreamed that the Buddha emitted light and came to receive Yan Bangrong. The next morning, they saw him seated in the lotus posture facing west. He suddenly rose, walked several steps, then stopped and passed away while standing.

21. In the Song Dynasty, Court Gentleman Wang Zhong

He was a native of Jiahe and founded the White Lotus Society at West Lake. Without regard to whether people were wise or foolish, rich or poor, monastics or laypeople, he invited all who aspired to rebirth to join the White Lotus Society. He composed an Exhortation to Practice, which circulated throughout the world. Later, though free from illness, he sat facing west and passed away.

22. In the Song Dynasty, Grand Master Zhongli Jingrong

He served as an official and rose to the rank of Court Audience Grand Master. He regularly recited the Sutra on the Contemplation of the Buddha of Immeasurable Life and ceaselessly recited the Buddha’s name. After retiring, he built a thatched hermitage beside the garden at Yizhen East. He once said, “If one does not know Amitabha, Amitabha is outside, in the West; if one knows Amitabha, Amitabha is within one’s own home.” One day, he invited a monk named Miaoying to recite the Chapter on Samantabhadra’s Practices and Vows. He burned incense and listened reverently, then formed a mudra with both hands and passed away.

23. In the Song Dynasty, Prefect Qian Xiangzu

He styled himself Zhi’an. While governing Jinling, he kept the cultivation of the Pure Land constantly in mind. In his native place, he built ten guest lodgings, all named Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. He also built the Zhi’an Quarters for Eminent Monks and invited monks to come and discuss the Dharma. After resigning as Left Chancellor and returning home, he diligently cultivated pure karma.

In the second month of the fourth year of the Jiading era, 1211, he became slightly ill and wrote this verse:

A fragrant lotus comes from the Buddha-land,

Upon the crystal-clear ground of lapis lazuli.

My mind is purer still than this;

Today, from afar, I behold the lotus bloom.

Three days later, a monk came to visit him during his illness. He said, “I do not crave life, nor do I fear death. I do not seek birth in the heavens or birth among humans; I seek only rebirth in the Pure Land.” Having spoken, he sat in the lotus posture and passed away. Later, someone dreamed of hearing a voice in the sky say, “Former Chancellor Qian has attained rebirth in the West! Within the lotus, his designation is Bodhisattva Ciji.”

24. In the Song Dynasty, County Magistrate Mei Runeng

He was a native of Changshu, served as a county magistrate, and devoted himself to cultivating pure karma. Suddenly, one day, he dreamed that a monk gave him one hundred sheets of paper bearing the two characters “er ba.” He brought this matter to Master Dongling Zhao and asked him about it. Dongling Zhao said, “‘Er ba’ means ‘sixteen.’ Does this not allude to the Sutra of the Sixteen Contemplations?”

At that very moment, a bhikshu handed him a copy of the sutra and then vanished. From then on, he diligently recited the sutra and was mindful of the Buddha. He gave himself the name Rebirth to express his aspiration. At that time, in the village there was a statue of Amitabha Buddha, sixteen feet high, which Master Daosheng had erected long before. He donated ten thousand coins to have the statue repainted and restored.

At that time, two white lotus flowers suddenly grew in the pond before the monastery, each flower having one hundred petals. In the winter of that year, he passed away without illness.

25. Song Dynasty, Instructor Zan Dingguo

His sobriquet was Xingzhai, and he served as an instructor in the prefecture. He constantly practiced mindfulness of the Buddha and read the Pure Land sutras. On the third and eighth days of every month, he gathered monastics and laypeople together to recite sutras and practice mindfulness of the Buddha.

In the fourth year of the Jiading era (1211), he dreamed that a child dressed in blue said: “The Buddha has sent me to welcome you. In three days, you will be reborn in the Pure Land.” On the third day, he bathed, changed his clothes, sat upright practicing mindfulness of the Buddha, and passed away.

26. Song Dynasty, Remonstrance Official Feng Jichuan

His sobriquet was Jichuan, and he was a native of Suining. After passing the Imperial Academy examination, he entered government service. At first, he studied the Way in Chan monasteries, but in old age he devoted himself exclusively to the practice of the Pure Land. He composed the Essay on the Western Land and the Amitabha Repentance Ritual. Later, he served as Supervising Secretary and commander of the troops stationed beside the Lu River in Yunnan Province. There, he gathered monastics and laypeople and established an Assembly for Maintaining Mindfulness^[8]. His final official post was Prefect of Gongzhou.

Later, he erected a high seat in the audience hall facing the imperial palace and reverently bowed in homage. He then donned monastic robes, ascended the seat, bade farewell to all the officials, laid his staff across his knees, and passed away.

Note:

The Record of the Transmission of the Lamp^[9] states: “At first, he sought instruction from Master Longmen Yuan, and afterward he also sought instruction from Master Miaoxi. Both masters had attained realization.” He knew beforehand the hour of his death, so he ascended the seat, bade farewell to the officials, held his staff across his knees, and passed away.

He possessed mastery and freedom, was renowned, and clearly had the capacity of the great elders of the Chan school. Why, then, is there no mention of his mindfulness of the Buddha and rebirth in the Pure Land? It is because authors established many different doctrinal systems, with each belonging to a different school; therefore, they emphasized only their own school. Those who emphasized the teaching of “directly pointing to the human mind” naturally selected only the method of “clearly realizing the ground of mind” and omitted the Pure Land teaching.

Likewise, Master Huaiyu was determined to attain a golden dais, and Master Yuanzhao had his name inscribed upon a lotus dais, yet these masters were still not recorded in this Record of the Transmission of the Lamp. This was because they devoted themselves solely to seeking rebirth in the Pure Land.

Thus, it should be known that those who, while alive, devote themselves to mindfulness of the Buddha and seek rebirth in the Pure Land will certainly attain rebirth there when they pass away. Those who have clearly seen their original mind and attained mastery, however, are all the more free and unhindered in attaining rebirth.

As it is said, how could one who has seen Amitabha Buddha still worry about not attaining awakening?

For example, when virtue is emphasized, Yan Hui ranks foremost among the virtuous, yet he is not counted among those who took part in government. When ability is emphasized, Yan Hui also belongs among those of outstanding talent capable of assisting a ruler, yet he is likewise not counted in the category of the virtuous. This distinction exists because the classifications are not the same.

Therefore, practitioners of the Pure Land path should steadfastly preserve their faith and harbor no doubts!

27. Song Dynasty, Vice Minister Wang Minzhong

His actual name was Wang Gu, his courtesy name was Minzhong, and he was a native of the Eastern Capital. He served as Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites. He was benevolent, sincere, and compassionate toward both people and other living beings. At first, he studied Chan and penetrated the essential purport of the Chan school. Later, he awakened to the supreme excellence of the Pure Land teaching. He compiled the three-volume Direct Guide to Resolving Doubts about the Pure Land. In his daily life, he diligently practiced mindfulness of the Buddha, never allowing his prayer beads to leave his hand. Whether walking, standing, sitting, or lying down, he made contemplation of the Western Pure Land his Buddha-work.

One day, a monk whose spirit traveled to the Pure Land saw Wang Gu and Ge Xi there together. Thus, there is clear evidence of his rebirth.

28. Song Dynasty, Presented Scholar Wu Xinsou

His actual name was Wu Zicai. He lived during the Song dynasty and had the courtesy name Xinsou. After resigning from office, he had a coffin prepared in advance. At night, he would lie inside it and instruct a young attendant to knock upon the coffin and sing: “Wu Xinsou! Return! The three realms are not peaceful and should not be inhabited for long. In the Western Pure Land there is a lotus dais. Return!” He would then join the attendant in singing the refrain. Later, he passed away without illness.

29. Tang Dynasty, Junior Preceptor Bai Juyi

He served as Grand Master of the Palace Accord and Junior Preceptor to the Crown Prince. He converted his residence into a monastery named Xiangshan Monastery; hence, he was known as the Layman of Xiangshan. In old age, he suffered from rheumatism. He spent thirty thousand coins from his retirement stipend to commission a complete painting of the magnificent circumstantial and direct recompenses of the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, as described in the Sutra of Infinite Life. Everyone who saw it bowed in homage and made vows. He composed the following verse of praise:

The Land of Ultimate Bliss is a realm of purity,

Without evil paths or any suffering.

May those like me, aged and ill,

Together be born where the Buddha of Infinite Life dwells.

Note:

Someone related: “At that time, on Mount Penglai, there was a man named Letian. Letian bade farewell in a verse:

Mountains and rivers are not where I shall return;

If I return, I shall return to Tusita Heaven.

But now I have forsaken Tusita Heaven and seek only rebirth in the Western Pure Land. Is this not like panning sand for gold—the more one pans, the purer it becomes?

30. Song Dynasty, Commander-in-Chief Zhang Lun

He served as Commander-in-Chief in Zhejiang. When the time came for him to be reborn in the Pure Land, he recited the Buddha’s name in a loud voice. Every member of his household, from the eldest to the youngest, had been instructed by him to practice mindfulness of the Buddha. He had a pond excavated and planted with lotuses, and every day all his wives and children recited the Buddha’s name ten thousand times. Emperor Xiaozong personally inscribed the two characters “Lotus Society” and bestowed them upon him.

31. Song Dynasty, Academician Su Shi

His sobriquet was Dongpo, and he served as an academician of the Hanlin Academy. After leaving the capital and traveling south, he had an image of Amitabha Buddha painted and carried it with him wherever he went. Someone asked him about it. He replied: “This is Su Shi’s credential for rebirth in the West! After my mother, Lady Cheng, passed away, I used the hairpins, earrings, money, and other possessions she had left behind to commission the painter Hu Xi to paint an image of Amitabha Buddha, praying that she might be reborn in the Pure Land.”

Note:

Laoquan once had statues of six bodhisattvas made at the Land of Ultimate Bliss Cloister to pray for his deceased mother’s spirit, for he was intimately connected with this Dharma method. This was because Su Shi’s heart was genuinely directed toward the Three Jewels. Later, when someone engraved the Credentials for the Western Land, he added inelegant words and claimed that Su Shi himself had spoken them; this was slander. Therefore, discerning people should distinguish carefully and should not reject genuine events because of such fabrications.

32. Song Dynasty, Chancellor Zhang Wujin

His actual name was Zhang Shangying. Only through the encouragement of his wife, Lady Xiang, did he begin to pay attention to the Buddhist scriptures. His sobriquet was Layman Wujin.

He composed an Aspiration Text, in which he wrote: “Reflecting upon this world, the five defilements disturb the mind. If one lacks the power of right understanding, cannot clearly perceive their causes, and cannot awaken to the self-nature of mind-only, one must reverently follow the teaching of Buddha Shakyamuni, single-mindedly recite the name of Amitabha Buddha, and pray that through the power of his vows he will come to receive and guide one, so that at death one may attain rebirth in the Land of Ultimate Bliss.

It is like a boat following the current: without expending effort at the oars, it still reaches the shore!”

Note:

Wujin studied Chan under Master Doushuai Yue and awakened to its principles, yet he single-mindedly recited the Buddha’s name and sought rebirth in the Land of Peace and Nurture. This matter should be considered with the utmost care.

These four men, from Bai Juyi through Wujin, all manifested signs of rebirth in the Western Land, although no clear accounts of this have been found in the historical records. Nevertheless, when the fruit is inferred from the cause, if they were not reborn in the Pure Land, where else could they have been reborn?

General Discussion

I have heard the ancients say: “Officials and scholars are intelligent people whose talents surpass those of others; most of them are reborn bhikshus.”

Even so, doubts have arisen regarding the rebirths of these individuals. Yet those who become deluded and do not return to the Path are very numerous, while those who do not forget the causes cultivated in former lives are exceedingly few. Why is this so? Because in the evil age of the five turbidities, there are far too many conditions that cause people to regress in resolve, and even worthies find it difficult to escape them. For example, Su Dongpo was the later incarnation of Chan Master Jie. Zeng Lugong was the later incarnation of Chan Master Qing. The later incarnation of Chan Master Zhe was a man so deeply attached to wealth and honor that he ultimately suffered grief and anguish.

Su Dongpo remained close to the Buddha-Dharma, but Zeng Lugong did not equal him. The later incarnation of Chan Master Zhe was even more deluded. Therefore, throughout the ages, wise and learned people have often exhorted everyone to leave behind the five defilements and seek rebirth in the Pure Land. Thus, from Liu Yimin onward, were there not many noble persons who attained rebirth?

III. RECLUSES WHO ATTAINED REBIRTH

1. Zhou Xuzhi of the Song Dynasty

He was a native of Yanmen. At only twelve years of age, he had already memorized the Five Classics^[10] and mastered the Five Weft Texts^[11], and was therefore known as the Child Prodigy of the Ten Classics. He cared nothing for fame, rank, authority, or high office, and wished only to dwell in tranquil seclusion. He took Master Huiyuan of Mount Lu as his teacher and joined the White Lotus Society’s practice community.

When Emperor Wen ascended the throne, he invited Zhou to the palace for conversation and discussion. The emperor took great delight in discoursing with him. Someone asked:

– You are a recluse; why do you still frequent the imperial palace?

He replied:

– For those intent on pursuing an official career, even the vastness of heaven and earth and the broad expanse of rivers are like cangues and shackles. Conversely, for those unconcerned with power, profit, and fame, even the imperial court or the marketplace is like a remote and tranquil wilderness among the mountains.

For this reason, people of that time called him Master Tongyin. Later, he went to reside at Mount Zhong and devoted himself to reciting the Buddha’s name. The older he became, the more diligently he recited it. Then one day, he suddenly raised his face toward the sky and said, “The Buddha has come to receive me!” Having spoken, he joined his palms and passed away.

Note:

Since Zhou Xuzhi regarded the imperial court and the marketplace as no different from the mountains, he could also have regarded the Saha world as no different from the Pure Land. Nevertheless, he still diligently recited the Buddha’s name and sought rebirth in the Pure Land. He was truly one who knew how to weigh benefit and harm.

The ancients said: “Mountains and plains are all the Western Land; those who have not yet reached home, please refrain from idle theorizing.”

2. Zheng Muqing of the Tang Dynasty

He was a native of Rongyang, and his entire household practiced recitation of the Buddha’s name. Around the Kaiyuan era ⁽⁷¹³⁾, he became gravely ill. Someone urged him to eat fish and meat so that he might recover quickly, but he steadfastly refused. Knowing that he would not live much longer, he burned incense and prayed for rebirth. Suddenly, an extraordinary fragrance arose and filled the air, and he passed away peacefully. His maternal uncle, Minister Su Ting, dreamed that a lotus had blossomed in a jeweled pond and saw Zheng Muqing seated upon it.

3. Zhang Yuanxiang of the Tang Dynasty

In his daily life, he single-mindedly recited the Buddha’s name without interruption. One day, he suddenly told his family, “Amitabha Buddha is waiting for me. After I have finished the midday meal, I shall go with him!” When the meal was over, he burned incense, sat in the full-lotus posture facing west, and passed away.

4. Sun Liang of the Song Dynasty

He was a native of Qiantang and lived in seclusion to study the Buddhist canon. He was especially well versed in the meaning of the Avatamsaka Sutra. He received the bodhisattva precepts from Vinaya Master Dazhi and recited the Buddha’s name ten thousand times each day. He continued this practice for twenty years without ever ceasing. Then one day, he suddenly instructed his family to invite the monks to recite the Buddha’s name and assist him in attaining rebirth. The monks had not been reciting for long when he looked up toward the sky and said, “The Buddha and the bodhisattvas have brought a lotus flower and have arrived!” As soon as he finished speaking, he lay down and passed away.

Note:

The Combined Treatise on the Avatamsaka states:

Bodhisattvas who seek rebirth in the Pure Land have not yet fully comprehended the great Path of the One Vehicle. If so, since Sun Liang had grasped the essential meaning of the Avatamsaka Sutra, why did he still seek rebirth in the Pure Land?

The reason is that the statements in the Combined Treatise on the Avatamsaka were intended to break the fixed views of ordinary beings attached to appearances. Such people have only recently understood the phenomenal Pure Land and have not yet penetrated the principle of the Pure Land. Sun Liang, however, had fully comprehended both phenomena and principle; that is, for him the Flower Treasury World and the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss were one, not two. Therefore, it is certainly true that Sun Liang sought rebirth there, and there is no reason for doubt. Those who discuss rebirth in the Pure Land should take the “Practices and Vows” chapter of the Avatamsaka Sutra as their foundation and use the Combined Treatise as a reference.

5. Yuan Ziping of the Tang Dynasty

He lived at Guanyin Monastery in Jingkou and single-mindedly recited the Buddha’s name. Then one day, he suddenly heard music in the open sky. He immediately sat facing west and passed away. At that time, an extraordinary fragrance filled the air and did not dissipate for several days.

6. Yu Jian of the Liang Dynasty

He was a native of Xinye. Emperor Wu of Liang summoned him to the palace to serve as Gentleman Attendant at the Yellow Gate, but he declined to enter. Throughout the six periods of day and night, he single-mindedly recited the Buddha’s name. One night, he saw a man of the Path who called himself Master Yuan. The man addressed Yu Jian as Master Shangxing, gave him a stick of incense, and departed. Four years later, Master Yuan came again, and Yu Jian immediately passed away. At that moment, a voice in the air proclaimed, “Master Shangxing has been reborn in the Land of Peace and Nurture!”

7. Song Man of the Sui Dynasty

He was a native of Changzhou and used beans to count the number of times he recited the Buddha’s name. Over the course of his daily practice, the beans he accumulated amounted to thirty shi^[12]. In the ninth month of the eighth year of the Kaihuang era ⁽⁵⁸⁸⁾, after arranging a vegetarian feast as an offering to the Sangha, he sat upright and passed away. At that time, everyone saw celestial flowers scattering down and smelled an extraordinary fragrance; they also saw him riding through the open sky toward the west.

8. The Elder of Fenyang in the Tang Dynasty

He went to Mount Dharma-Patience and lodged in an empty room, devoting himself day and night to mindfulness of the Buddha. In the fifth year of the Zhenguan era ⁽⁶³¹⁾, as he was about to pass away, light shone everywhere. Seated facing west, he passed away. Someone saw him seated upon a lotus dais, flying away.

9. Yuan Zicai of the Tang Dynasty

He lived at Guanyin Monastery in Runzhou, devoting himself to reciting the Amitabha Sutra and being mindful of the Buddha. Suddenly, one day, he fell mildly ill. During the night, he perceived fragrance and music in the sky and faintly heard what seemed to be a voice saying: “The coarse music has passed; the subtle music will soon arrive. You should prepare to depart!” As soon as he heard this, he recited the Buddha’s name and passed away. At the time of his death, an extraordinary fragrance lingered continuously for several days without ceasing.

10. Wu Zizhang of the Yuan Dynasty

He was a native of Suzhou, and his family had practiced medicine for many generations. Together with his elder brother Zicai, he studied under Venerable Yunwu and diligently practiced mindfulness of the Buddha. His entire family deeply revered the Buddhadharma. During the Zhijian era, though not ill, he sat with palms joined, recited the Buddha’s name, and passed away.

11. He Tanji of the Yuan Dynasty

At the age of eighteen, he received the bodhisattva precepts and devoted himself to mindfulness of the Buddha. One night, during the fourth watch, he heard a drum and immediately sat up to recite sutras and the Buddha’s name. Someone said:

– It is still too early!

He replied:

– I see the Buddha coming with banners and flowers to welcome me.

Having said this, he closed his eyes and passed away.

12. Wang Tian of the Song Dynasty

His sobriquet was Old Man Wugong, and he was a native of Siming. He had thoroughly mastered both the essential teachings of the Chan school and the doctrines of the Tiantai school. He composed the Record of Self-Confidence in the Pure Land. During his final days, he devoted himself to mindfulness of the Buddha and passed away seated facing west. At that time, an extraordinary fragrance arose and filled the air. After his cremation, 108 relics as large as beans were collected.

13. Fan Yan of the Song Dynasty

He was a native of Renhe and took no interest in worldly affairs. His son was unable to shoulder the family responsibilities, yet he still paid no heed to them, saying only: “From now on, I am merely a guest in this household!” Every day, without the slightest negligence, he recited the Lotus Sutra and was mindful of Amitabha Buddha. Suddenly, one day, he dreamed that the bodhisattva Samantabhadra came riding a white elephant with six tusks, radiating golden light, and told him: “Tomorrow morning, during the hour of the Rabbit, your life will end!” The following morning, the Buddha and bodhisattvas came to welcome him. Sitting upright with palms joined, he passed away.

14. Lu Yuandao of the Song Dynasty

His sobriquet was Layman Xing’an, and he resided at Hengxi in Mingzhi. Upon rising early each morning, he burned incense and sat in meditation, never allowing his eyes to wander elsewhere. Before bowing to the Buddha and beginning his recitations, he would recite this verse:

At dawn I wash my hands and open the sutra;

I seek neither abundant blessings nor the removal of calamities.

Worldly affairs have ended, and no attachment remains;

In the radiant fire at the kalpa’s end, I dance for a while.

Thereafter, he recited the Buddha’s name and the sutras neither quickly nor slowly, each sound following the next like beads upon a rosary. Every day, he recited the Lotus Sutra once and the name of Amitabha Buddha ten thousand times, single-mindedly aspiring to rebirth in the West. On the sixth day of the fourth month, after bathing and changing his clothes, he immediately passed away. He was eighty-five years old. As his body was being placed in the coffin, the rich fragrance of lotus flowers suddenly filled the air, though no one knew whence it came. When they drew near to close the coffin lid, they discovered that the fragrance was issuing from his mouth.

15. Sun Zhong of the Song Dynasty

He was a native of Siming and had long cherished an aspiration for the Western Land. He built a hermitage east of the prefectural city in which to practice mindfulness of the Buddha. Some time later, he fell ill and invited one hundred monks to recite the Buddha’s name continuously. Suddenly, he looked up into the sky, joined his palms, formed the Double Seal, and then peacefully passed away. Everyone in the city heard music and perceived an extraordinary fragrance, which gradually drifted westward and disappeared. His three sons followed his example in practicing mindfulness of the Buddha, and they too attained rebirth while seated.

16. Shen Quan of the Song Dynasty

He was a native of Qiantang. Together with his wife, née Shi, he devoted himself to mindfulness of the Buddha and aspired to rebirth in the Pure Land. Whenever they performed any good deed in their daily lives, they dedicated its merit toward rebirth in the Pure Land. Later, husband and wife passed away one after the other, and both received the response of an emanation Buddha holding a monk’s staff^[13] who came to welcome and guide them away.

17. Tang Shiliang of the Song Dynasty

He was a native of Kuaiji, observed the precepts rigorously, and diligently practiced mindfulness of the Buddha. In old age, though he fell ill, he did not cease reciting the Buddha’s name. He recited the Amitabha Sutra more than one hundred thousand times. One day, he told his family: “The Buddha has come to welcome me!” Having said this, he bowed to the Buddha and passed away seated upright.

At that time, a man named Lixing was spending the night on Mount Daowei. In a dream, he saw extraordinary light in the west, banners, beautiful flowers, and celestial music. At the same time, he heard a voice in the sky proclaim: “Tang Shiliang has attained rebirth in the Pure Land!”

18. Ji Gong of the Song Dynasty

He was a blacksmith from Taoyuan in Siming. At the age of seventy, his eyesight became dim. At that time, the local Instructor of Learning, Zan Dingguo, sponsored the printing and distribution of recitation tally charts to encourage people to practice mindfulness of the Buddha.

When Ji Gong first received one chart, he recited the Buddha’s name 360,000 times. By the time he reached the fourth chart, his eyesight had been restored. Over three years of recitation, he completed seventeen charts.

One day, while reciting the Buddha’s name, he suddenly passed away. Half a day later, he revived and said: “The Buddha instructed that six charts be given to Instructor of Learning Zan Dingguo, who was the first to encourage me to follow the Way, and that one chart be presented to Mr. Li Er, who printed them.” He instructed his son to go and thank them.

Having said this, he bathed, changed his clothes, turned to face west, and passed away.

19. Chen Junzhang of the Yuan Dynasty

He was a native of Huangyan, kindhearted and sparing of speech. At the age of forty, he and Madame Qiye recited the Lotus Sutra and devoted themselves to mindfulness of the Buddha. At the age of sixty, he became gravely ill. One night, he asked his son Jingxing to help him sit up and said:

– Your father is leaving now.

His son asked:

– Where are you going, Father?

He replied:

– There is nowhere to go.

He then said: “After I die, you should cremate me according to the custom of monastics.” Having said this, he joined his palms, recited “Namo Amitabha Buddha,” and passed away.

20. Zhang Quan of the Jin Dynasty

He was a cousin of Zhang Ye. He possessed noble qualities and a spirit detached from worldly life. While plowing and harrowing the fields, he always carried a sutra with him and never set it aside even for a moment. He was repeatedly invited to take official posts but declined them all, contenting himself with his poverty. Later, he was nominated to serve as magistrate of Xunyang County, but he laughed and said: “The ancients chose secluded places in which to preserve themselves. If one abandons one’s integrity to receive an official stipend, what glory is there in that?”

He then entered Mount Lu, joined Venerable Huiyuan’s White Lotus Society practice center, and devoted himself to studying the scriptures, gaining a thorough understanding of a great many sutras and treatises. In the first year of the Jingping era ⁽⁴²³⁾ of the Song dynasty, though not ill, he lay facing west, recited the Buddha’s name, and passed away.

20. Que Gongze

He entered the White Lotus Society practice center on Mount Lu and passed away there. A friend of his who resided at White Horse Monastery in Luoyang held a memorial offering for him. At midnight, the entire main hall of Linmu Monastery suddenly turned the color of pure gold, and a voice in the sky said: “I am Que Gongze. I aspired to be born in the Land of Ultimate Bliss, and now I have attained rebirth there.” As soon as these words were spoken, he vanished.

Note:

Many people manifest auspicious signs at the time of death. But for someone to manifest golden light in another place after having passed away and announce from the sky in a dream that he had attained rebirth, as in the case of Que Gongze, is truly rare.

21. Li Zhidao of the Tang Dynasty

He was highly accomplished in the teachings of the Pure Land. He gathered many people and instituted the Five-Assembly Buddha-Recitation practice. Later, when he fell ill, he suddenly said: “The Buddha has come to receive me.” He then bathed, changed his clothes, and asked someone to carry an incense burner into the hall so that he could bow to the Buddha. Suddenly, he heard a voice in the sky say: “Someone will guide you to the Pure Land; that person will lead you across a golden bridge.” After hearing this, he sat upright on his bed and passed away. At that time, everyone smelled an extraordinary fragrance.

22. Gao Haoxiang of the Liang Dynasty

A native of Dongping, he secluded himself in quiet meditation and devoted himself to reciting the Sutra of Infinite Life. One day, while in meditative concentration, he saw himself seated upon a red lotus blossom in a pond. At first he did not see the Buddha, but before long he saw himself standing upon the lotus and reverently bowing to the Buddha. He then visualized the Buddha, from whom golden light shone upon him from afar.

One night, he saw an assembly of bodhisattvas coming to receive him, and at that very moment he passed away.

Note:

In ancient times there were two monks, one of whom visualized an open lotus blossom while the other visualized a lotus bud; both later attained rebirth in the Pure Land. Haoxiang saw himself seated upon a red lotus blossom. This, too, came about because of his sincere visualization!

23. Xu Lugong of the Song Dynasty

A native of Jiaxing, he made his living as a farmer. He and his wife ate simple fare and wholeheartedly recited the Buddha’s name. At the age of forty, he knew in advance that he was about to die, so he had a funerary shrine prepared. After changing his clothes, he put on straw sandals and sat upright inside the shrine. Suddenly, he said: “The Buddha has come to receive me.” As soon as he finished speaking, he passed away.

24. Lu Jun of the Song Dynasty

A native of Qiantang, he served in government office for quite a long time in his youth. He later left his position and devoted himself to cultivating the Pure Land Dharma gate. Every day he went before the Buddha to bow in repentance, tears streaming down his cheeks. A fellow practitioner came and told him about the conditions for attaining rebirth in the Pure Land. After hearing little more than ten sentences, he choked with emotion and wept. As his death approached, he invited Vinaya Master Yuanjing to expound upon the Western Pure Land and recite the Sutra of the Contemplation of the Buddha of Infinite Life. When the recitation reached the section on the highest grade of rebirth,^[14] Vinaya Master Yuanjing suddenly said:

– You may depart now!

Lu Jun said:

– The Buddha and the bodhisattvas have not yet arrived; I must wait for them.

A short while later, he suddenly rose, went to the bamboo bed, sat upright facing west, and passed away.

Note:

The Sutra of Infinite Life states: “When a person hears of Amitabha Buddha and is so moved that tears fall, that person’s wholesome roots from past lives have ripened.” Lu Jun’s trembling, choking emotion, and tears arose from the depths of his heart and appeared outwardly upon his face; he was certain to attain rebirth. How, then, could anyone treat the Pure Land with ridicule and idle discussion?

25. Huang Datie of the Song Dynasty

A native of Tanzhou, he had originally served in the military. He made his living as a blacksmith. While heating and hammering iron, he continually recited the Buddha’s name without ceasing. One day, though he was not ill, he asked a neighbor to write down this verse for him:

Clang, clang, ring, ring,

Long forged, the iron grows hard.

Great peace is drawing near;

I return to the West.

As soon as he finished speaking, he passed away. This verse circulated throughout Hunan, and from that time onward many people began reciting the Buddha’s name.

Note:

Huang Gong was an extraordinary case whom no one could easily equal. He simply recited the Buddha’s name without interruption, his mouth reciting and his ears listening. It was as simple as that, yet how many people in the world are willing to practice as he did, let alone pursue elaborate and abstruse methods? His Buddha-recitation quickly became a method for everyone to emulate. Alas! One should not regard it as simple and therefore abandon it, only to seek a more difficult method.

26. Venerable Layman Lotus of the Ming Dynasty

A native of the land of Yue, he lived his entire life as a gentle and sincere man. Day and night, he wholeheartedly recited the Buddha’s name without the slightest distraction. After he passed away, a lotus blossom suddenly grew upon the lid of his coffin. His relatives and the villagers were all greatly astonished. He therefore became known as Venerable Layman Lotus.

27. Layman Hua of the Ming Dynasty

A native of Jianggan, he was kindhearted, unassuming, honest, and upright. In middle age, he was appointed to the office of Zhuzhi. In old age, he lived alone, unconcerned with worldly affairs, and morning and evening devoted himself solely to reciting the Buddha’s name. As death approached, he knew the hour of his passing in advance. He bathed, changed his clothes, went to his place of work, arranged his official robes and cap, sat upright, bade farewell to everyone, and passed away. His son had previously prepared a coffin, but when he died it was replaced with a funerary shrine like those ordinarily used to enshrine the bodies of sramanas. On the day he was escorted to burial, a vast crowd came to witness it, and people from both near and far admired him.

General Discussion

Someone asked:

– Why do we not hear that Vimalakirti and Layman Pang Yun aspired for rebirth in the Pure Land?

Answer:

– Judge for yourself: if you find that you are not their equal, then aspiring for rebirth is naturally necessary and requires no discussion. Even if Tathagata Golden Grain were to return, why would he have any objection to meeting Amitabha Buddha? If matters were otherwise, Vimalakirti could not have attended upon Shakyamuni Buddha, nor would Layman Pang Yun have needed to call upon Mazu. Moreover, did Vimalakirti not say, “When the mind is pure, the land is pure”? Did Layman Pang Yun not say, “I make no companion of the myriad dharmas”? One day, when you set foot upon the pure land, you will think in wonder, “I myself have always been pure”; and you will also think in wonder, “I make no companion of the myriad dharmas.” You will marvel that Vimalakirti and Layman Pang Yun have always dwelt in the Pure Land. What room for doubt could remain?

End of Volume 2

Notes:

^[1] Seven treasures 七寶 (S: sapta ratnāni): seven kinds of precious substances in the world. Different sutras give different lists of the seven treasures. According to the Amitabha Sutra and Volume 10 of the Treatise on the Great Perfection of Wisdom, the seven are gold, silver, lapis lazuli, crystal, tridacna shell, red pearl, and agate.

^[2] Water of eight virtues 八功德水: water possessing eight supreme qualities. In the Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha there are magnificent ponds, and the water in those ponds possesses eight virtues. These eight qualities are clarity, coolness, sweetness, softness and lightness, moistening, peacefulness and harmony, alleviation of hunger and thirst, and nourishment of the faculties.

^[3] Maocai 茂才, also called Xiucai: an academic rank conferred upon those who passed the provincial examination, but at a lower level.

^[4] Academician 學士: the title of a literary official in ancient times.

^[5] Longshu Pure Land Text 龍舒淨土文: a work in 12 fascicles, compiled in 1160 during the Southern Song dynasty by Wang Rixiu, a native of Longshu (Shucheng, Anhui), and included in volume 47 of the Taishō Tripiṭaka. This book records sutras, treatises, biographies, and accounts related to rebirth in the Western Pure Land.

^[6] Court Gentleman 朝散: an official rank of the fifth grade or below, known as Court Gentleman for General Service.

^[7] Tiantai Treatise on the Ten Doubts 天台十疑論: also known as the Treatise on the Ten Doubts; a one-fascicle treatise composed by Master Zhiyi during the Sui dynasty and included in volume 47 of the Taishō Tripiṭaka. Based on the Dharma-gate of rebirth in Amitabha Buddha’s Pure Land, the work raises ten questions and then answers them in sequence.

^[8] Focused recollection 繫念: single-mindedly being mindful of the Buddha.

^[9] Record of the Transmission of the Lamp 傳燈錄: a work in 30 fascicles, compiled by the śramaṇa Daoyan during the Wu period, in the first year of the Jingde era under Emperor Zhenzong of the Song dynasty. Its contents concern the transmission of the Dharma from Shakyamuni Buddha to the patriarchs.

^[10] Five Classics 五經: the five Confucian classics—the Classic of Poetry, Book of Documents, Book of Changes, Book of Rites, and Spring and Autumn Annals.

^[11] Five Planets 五緯, also known as the Five Stars: Venus, Jupiter, Mercury, Mars, and Saturn.

^[12] Thirty shi 三十石: shi was an ancient unit of weight. One shi equaled 120 jin. Thus, 30 shi equaled 3,600 jin, by no means a small quantity.

^[13] Khakkhara 錫杖 (S: khakkhara, khakharaka): a staff carried by a bhikshu while traveling. It was originally used to drive away venomous snakes and harmful insects, or shaken while seeking alms so that donors would hear and be made aware. In later times, the khakkhara became one of the ritual implements used in Chan monasteries.

^[14] Upper Grade 上品: the fourteenth contemplation in the Sixteen Contemplations.