A Forest of Pearls from the Dharma Garden Volume VI

Historical Accounts of Sacred Responses to Human Faith and Meritorious Acts

A Forest of Pearls from the Dharma Garden, Volume VI

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and accomplish the ultimate of nirvana. If someone creates an image or a stupa for me, has faith, thinks of the Buddha's merits, and tosses even a single flower into the air [in offering], I would say that because of this wholesome act that person absolutely will attain the realm of nirvana and accomplish the ultimate of nirvana."

The Buddha said to Ānanda, "If a sentient being tosses even a single flower into the air while thinking of the Buddha, the reward they will attain through the merit of this is inexhaustible. If a sentient being thinks of the Buddha's merits with an utmost sincere mind or tosses even a single flower into the air, they will attain [the status of] Śakra-devendra, that of the King of Brahma Heaven, and that of a wheel-turning noble king in the future. The reward for their merit is also inexhaustible. "If [someone] gives alms to the Buddha, a field of merit, without thinking that the reward for [giving alms to the Buddha] will exhaust the limit [of their existence], I would say that this person will surely attain nirvana and accomplish the ultimate of nirvana. Even if an animal is able to give rise to a thought of the Buddha, the World-honored One, I would also say that because of meritorious reward for this wholesome act [that animal] will attain nirvana and accomplish the ultimate of nirvana. "Suppose there are śramaṇas who have attained the four fruits of sainthood and pratyekabuddhas enough to fill the trichiliocosm, just as sugar cane and bamboo [covers the earth]. If someone were to build stupas and make offerings to them during their present existence as well as in their next existence, and with the intention to praise and with all happiness that person respectfully, deferentially, and humbly makes an offering to their stupas for a kalpa or roughly a kalpa, while another person only worships with joined palms and recites the buddhas' names at all the buddhas' places—when the merit of these [two people] are compared, the merit of the former person would fall short by one-hundredth, one-thousandth, one-ten trillionth, or even an infinite number (Skt. kalā). Why is this? It is because the Buddha Tathāgata is superlative and the highest in the fields of merit. For this reason, through giving alms to the Buddha, you will achieve great merit and a supernatural awesome power." Verses say:

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The golden-colored body left pieces of bones. There are treasure stupas throughout [the realms of] heavenly beings and dragons.

[Building stupas] first started with ten stupas. In the end eighty thousand stupas have been established. On a pearl cover the mysterious light is extraordinary. A flagpole sends out lotus flowers,

Which open again and again in the morning fog and dew. They often give wondrous signs.

Red clouds shine upon and reflect each other. Wind ripples and causes bells to peal. A divine luan bird frequently appears. A mysterious monk often follows it.

[The Buddha] rises alone above all sages. Sentient beings extensively give rise to respect for him. [His relics] cannot be broken even if struck with a hammer or anvil. We simply know that the Sage's virtue is great. Historical Accounts of Sacred Responses to Human Faith and Meritorious Acts

Sixteen testimonies are briefly cited and there are fifty-three zhou in the Sui dynasty.

[A Contest between the Teachings of Buddhist Monks and Daoists in the Han Dynasty]

Dynasty) says:238

The Hanfa [ben] neizhuan (Essential Commentary of Laws of the Han Emperor Ming (r. 57-75) propagated the Buddhist Dharma, built a monastery, and allowed monks to be ordained. All the Daoist practitioners in the Daoist temples of the Five Sacred Mountains requested a contest to determine whether the Buddhist or Daoist teachings were superior. An experiment was conducted in which Daoist scriptures were set alight, and they were destroyed by the fire.239 A head Daoist, Fei [Changfang of the Later Han dynasty], felt ashamed; chagrined at [this failure he] died in 243

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front of the people. Zhang [Ling] was abundantly enlightened, comparative to those who have renounced the world.

At that time, the relics brought from the Western Region were five small pieces and were five-colored. They directly rose up into the sky and revolved; it looked like a [jeweled] canopy. [The relics] sometimes reflected the sunlight and sometimes obscured it. The arhat Kāśyapamātaṅga leaped up and flew around. He floated in the sky just as if walking on land, and walked on land just as if floating in the sky. He freely made supernatural transformations and expounded the Dharma for the people. Treasure flowers fell from the sky and scattered over the Buddhist monks. A crowd of people heard the extraordinary sound of heavenly music, and innumerable people were liberated.

This is extensively stated in Chapter [Sixty-two]: Breaking Evils [in A Forest of Pearls from the Dharma Garden].

[In the Wei Kingdom the Relics Deposited in a Foreign Śramaṇa's Gold Plate Emitted Five-colored Light That Rose Up Like Flames] In the capital city Luoyang of Emperor Ming (r. 226-239) of the Wei kingdom there were originally three monasteries. One was located west of the royal palace. Relics were always attached to a flagpole [in this monastery]. As a result, it was easy to see inside of the royal palace. Concerned about this, the emperor intended to destroy and remove [the monastery]. At that time, a foreign śramaṇa resided in the monastery. He brought out a gold plate and poured water into it. The relics were deposited in the water and then the five-colored light appeared and endlessly rose up like flames. Seeing this, the emperor said in wonderment, "If this is not a divine efficacy, how could it be so?" East of the imperial road he created a gate one hundred bays wide to separate [the royal palace from the monastery] and designated [the monastery] as an official Buddhist monastery.

[Kang Senghui of the Wu Kingdom Prayed for Relics]

In the fourth year of the Chiwu era (241) of Sun Quan[, the first emperor] of the Wu kingdom, a foreign śramaṇa, Kang Senghui, reached Jiangbiao (the area south of the Yangzi River) for the first time. He established an image [of the Buddha] and practiced the [Buddhist] Way. The people of the Wu 244

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kingdom thought he was strange and sent a written appeal to the throne. [Sun] Quan summoned [Kang Seng]hui and asked, "What miraculous good omens does the Buddha have?" [Seng]hui replied, "The Buddha has already covered his wondrous traces, but the relics, his remains, correspond to the needs [of sentient beings] in no set pattern." Quan asked, "Where is he?" [Seng]hui replied, "His mysterious traces are understood through responding to your mind. When you offer a prayer, you will receive an answer." Quan said, "If relics are obtained, I will build a monastery for them." Twenty-one days passed, during which [Kang Senghui] begged with an utmost sincere mind for [the relics]. As a result, he obtained some in a bottle. The next morning he handed it to [Sun] Quan, and the light [coming out from the bottle of relics] illuminated the royal palace. [Sun] Quan took the bottle and poured [the relics] into a copper plate. As soon as the relics settled [on the plate], it broke into pieces. Quan was greatly surprised at this extraordinary, unusual good omen. [Seng]hui approached and said, "The Buddha's wondrous remains are as hard as diamond and they are immortal. They cannot be burned even by the cosmos-destroying conflagration at the close of a kalpa (Skt. yuga-anta-agni). They cannot be broken into pieces even if struck with a hammer and anvil." Quan commanded a strong man to do his best to break [the relics]. Both the hammer and the anvil were dented, but the relics were undamaged. The light spread out to the four directions and dazzled the people. Furthermore, when they tried to burn [the relics], the light leaped, rose up, and became a large lotus flower. [Sun] Quan became very faithful. He built a monastery for [the relics] called Jianchu ("First Construction"). [The name of] the location was changed to Fotuoli ("The Buddha's Community"). [Relics Emitted Light When Sun Hao Was About to Destroy the Dharma] The tyrant Sun Hao (the last ruler of the Wu kingdom, r. 264-280) was planning to destroy the Buddhist Dharma, burn sutras, and eliminate stupas. A vassal admonished him, saying, "Just have some tolerance for the time being! If you find [later that the Buddhist Dharma] has no miraculous efficacy, it will not be too late to remove it." [Sun] Hao followed this admonition. [Hao] summoned [Kang Seng]hui and said, "If you can reveal [miraculous] efficacy before my eyes, I will help you in causing [the Buddhist Dharma] to flourish. If you cannot, I will abolish it and slay [all the monks]." [Kang 245

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Seng]hui said, "The Buddha responds [to our prayers] through his providence. We receive [his response] and communicate with him. I hope you will grant me time; it is not difficult to beseech for efficacy." Hao gave him a time limit of three days.

Roughly one hundred monks gathered together in the monastery. [Sun] Hao sent troops to surround the monastery, with weapons such as swords and saws in place, since on the appointed day they planned to kill [all the monks]. Some monks were so afraid there would not be a miracle that they hanged themselves beforehand. [Kang Senghui] said to the sangha, "[The reason why] the Buddha reserved his relics lies in this moment. Previously there was miraculous efficacy. Why wouldn't there be now?" On exactly the appointed day [Kang Senghui] obtained [the relics]. He then approached Hao [and said,] "This is the Tathāgata's diamond remains. With sincere ambition, I worked strenuously to obtain them. Even if they were to struck with a pestle weighing one hundred jun, they will not suffer even minor damage." Hao said, "Metal and stone are [hard enough to] grind other things. How could dry bones be harder than them? Śramaṇa! If you deceive me to my face, you will die immediately!" Thereupon, [Hao] placed [the relics] on an iron anvil and struck them with a metal hammer. Both the metal [hammer] and the iron anvil were dented but the relics were just as before. Moreover, when [the relics] were purified with clear water, they emitted light and radiance. [The light] shone throughout the hall. At this, Hao felt joyful, he was convinced and became faithful. He repented sincerely and received edification [from Kang Senghui].

[Zhu Changshu of the Jin Dynasty Threw Relics into Water and Five-colored Light Appeared]

At the beginning of the Jin dynasty Zhu Changshu had some relics and esteemed them. His son, Fayan, became a śramaṇa but often wished to return to secular life. He said, laughing, "The relics are merely gravel. They are not worthy to be considered valuable." The father threw [the relics] into water, [and they emitted] five-colored light, which revolved three times several chi above [the surface of the water]. When Fayan saw this [mysterious] sign, he gave rise to faith and did not return to secular life. At the moment of Changshu's death, [Fayan] again gave rise to earthly desires; suddenly he fell ill and was exhausted. He remained a śramaṇa. The relics [possessed by Zhu 246

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Changshu] were enshrined in a stupa in Jiangxia prefecture (in present-day Hubei province).

[A Wooden Image of Dong Wang's Family in the Jin Dynasty Emitted Light] During the Taixing era (318-321) of the [Eastern] Jin dynasty, a wooden image faithfully esteemed by Dong Wang of Yuqian county (in present-day Zhejiang province) emitted light at night. Later, near the image there was a sound of something being thrown onto the ground. When [Dong Wang] looked, the relics rose and fell into water and the five-colored light [that was emitted] was dazzling. [The light] revolved clockwise three times. Later, when the śramaṇa Fachang saw this, [the relics] grew to a height of four or five chi and went into [Fa]chang's chest. [Fa]chang said, "If [the people] allow me to build a monastery, [the relics] will show more miraculous power." [The relics] grew again, more than before. [Fa]chang then built a monastery in Yuqian county, and each day many people come to follow the Buddhist Dharma. [During the Taixing Era of the Jin Dynasty in Guangling Relics Emitted Light]

During the Taixing era of the [Eastern] Jin dynasty, one thousand people of northern China migrated to Guangling (in present-day Jiangsu province) each day. [Among them] was a person who brought relics with him. He built a small monastery and erected the center pillar of a stupa. The relics emitted light that reached the top of the pillar, and this [event] moved people from far and near. [In the Jin Dynasty Fakai, a Monk of Northern China, Built a Monastery and Wished for Relics]

During the Xianhe era (326-334) of the [Eastern] Jin dynasty, An Fakai, a monk of northern China, came to Yuhang county (in present-day Zhejiang province). He wished to build a monastery but he had no means, so with his own hands he strung cords through a bundle of perforated coins and sold them. Over the years he obtained money in the amount of thirty thousand, bought a piece of land, and made a building. He continued to earn money by stringing cords of perforated coins. He wished to erect a stupa but he had no relics. A man called Luoyou had [some relics], and [Fa]kai asked him for them, but he was not given any. When [Fa]kai returned to his monastery and worshiped the Buddha, he saw that [Luo]you's bag of relics was already in front of the [Buddha's] seat. He promptly reported this to [Luo]you, who followed [Fakai back 247

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to the monastery] and saw [the relics]. [Luoyou] was gladdened by this and built a monastery in Yuhang county with [Fa]kai.

[Meng Jing of the Jin Dynasty Built a Monastery and Obtained Three Pieces of Relics]

During the Xiankang era (335-342) of the [Eastern] Jin dynasty, Meng Jing, the governor of Jian'an prefecture (in present-day Fujian province) wished to build a stupa and monastery. One night he heard a tinkling sound at the head of his bed and found three pieces of relics. Accordingly, he built a monastery and a stupa.

In the sixth month of the sixteenth year of the Yuanjia era (439), the relics emitted light that illuminated everything above and below. On the seventh evening the light stopped. All the people saw this.

[In the Yixi Era of the Jin Dynasty a Piece of a Relic Spontaneously Split into Three]

In the first year of the Yixi era (405) of the [Eastern] Jin dynasty, there was a man from Linyi (the southern part of present-day Annan) who possessed a piece of relic. On every purification day [the relic] emitted light. Huisui Śramaṇa followed Diao Kui, Regional Inspector of Guangzhou (most of present-day Guangdong and Guangxi provinces), and stayed in [Jiang]nan (present-day Jiangsu, Anhui, and Jiangxi provinces]. [Huisui] esteemed the light [emitted by the relic] and wished to beg for [the relic]. Before he could open his mouth [to express his wish], the relic spontaneously split into two pieces. [Diao] Kui was happy to hear about this. He further begged for more relics and respectfully waited. [The relics] again split, and there were now three pieces.

Kui wished to copy the [buddha] image in Changgan Monastery. The head of the monastery obstinately would not allow him to do so. One night [the head of the monastery] dreamed that a man several zhang tall said to him, "The image is valuable for the propagation and edification [of the Buddhist Dharma]. Why are you carelessly stingy about [letting it be copied]?" The next morning he responded to [Kui's request] and allowed him to copy the image. [When the copy of the image] had been completed, Kui placed the relic in the topknot of the figure. Among various images brought from the west, there are many that emit light because they contain relics. 248

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[Jia Daozi of the Song Dynasty Obtained a Piece of Relic in Lotus Flowers] In the sixth year of the Yuanjia era (429) of the Song dynasty, Jia Daozi was traveling on the bank of the Jing[xi] River and saw that some lotus flowers had just bloomed. He took a few of them and returned home. He heard a sound from the flowers and felt uneasy, and when he looked for [the source of the sound], he obtained a piece of relic that was as white as a pearl. It shone upon the beams and ridgepoles of his house just like flames. He respected [the relic], placed it in a box, and hung [the box] on a wall of his house. His family members often saw a Buddhist monk come from outside, take off his robe, and sit on a long table.

Someone who stayed at his house unthinkingly stained and disrespected [the relic]. Thereupon, in a dream a man said to him, "This is the true body of Śākyamuni. Numerous sages come and pay their respects to him. Why did you do evil to him? After you die, you will fall into hell, and when you emerge from hell you will become a slave. How can you not be afraid of this?" The person was very frightened and soon after died of leprosy. On the grounds of the house where the relic was held there were eight stems of lotus flowers growing. [The lotus plants] withered after sixty days and [the relic] disappeared after more than a year. Its whereabouts are unknown. [The Family of An Qianzai of the Song Dynasty Believed in the Buddha and Obtained a Piece of Relic]

In the eighth year (431) of the Yuanjia era of the Song dynasty, An Qianzai in Guiji and his family believed in the Buddha. One night someone knocked at the door. [Qianzai] went out and saw that more than ten people wearing red robes had piled up timber inside of the gate [of his house]. They said, "The government orders us to build a stupa." Suddenly [it all disappeared and] there was nothing to see.

Next morning [Qianzai] went to another house where he offered a meal for a Buddhist service. At the beginning [of the meal] he obtained a piece of relic, purplish-gold in color. When he struck it with a hammer, it did not break. When it was rinsed in water, it emitted brilliant light. He immediately respected it. [The relic] always had an extraordinary fragrance. Later when [Qianzai] took it out to worship it, he suddenly lost it and looked around for it. Fully half a day later it came back.

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At that time, the king of Linchuan (in present-day Jiangxi province) subdued Jiangling county (in present-day Hubei province). He received [the relic] and observed it; it occasionally emitted a light of mixed [colors]. The accessory clerks and śramaṇas all saw this, but [what they saw] was not the same. The king held a container of water in both hands, said charms, and so on. In response to his voice, light was emitted. At night more than one hundred people appeared to walk around the building containing the relic, burning incense and holding flowers. It was exactly like the situation in which the Buddha had appeared. Next morning, the people and the relic had both disappeared. [Zhang Xuyuan of the Song Dynasty Found Dozens of Relics on Flowers in Front of a Statue]

In the ninth year (432) of the Yuanjia era of the Song dynasty, Zhang Xuyuan in Xunyang prefecture (in present-day Jiangxi province) arranged a purification ceremony to observe the eight precepts at his home. Several tens of people, both clergy and laypeople, saw something that resembled ice or snow on flowers in front of the [buddha] image. [Xuyuan] inspected and obtained several tens of pieces of relic. When he rinsed them in water, flames [came out from the relics] without ceasing. Later, he lost [the relics]. Several days later, when he entered the kitchen and looked again, he obtained the [Buddha's] tooth. In a dressing case there was woolen cloth in which ten pieces of relics were wrapped. Flames [came out from the relics and] reached into the sky. [People from] various places came and begged for [the relics]. [Liu Ningzhi of the Song Dynasty Obtained Two Pieces of Relics Under His Forehead]

In the fifteenth year (438) of the Yuanjia era of the Song dynasty, Liu Ningzhi from Nan prefecture (in present-day Hubei province) lived in seclusion on Mount Heng. Even if he was summoned, he would not go out. He followed the Way of the Five Pecks of Grain and did not believe in the Buddhist Dharma. He dreamed of a man who hovered several zhang above the ground. [The man] said, "Your confusion has been just resolved." [Ningzhi] woke up and suddenly came to realize [the truth].240 He worshiped the Buddha diligently with an utmost mind every morning and evening for half a year. Unexpectedly [Liu Ningzhi] saw a purple light under his forehead. He attained two pieces of relics in the spot where the auspicious light had shone.241 250

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Even when he tried to cut them and struck them, they were not damaged. When rinsed in water, they emitted light. Furthermore, during one mealtime he spit out a tooth [relic] from his mouth and it emitted light. His wife and sons each obtained a piece [of relic], five pieces in total. Later they again lost [the relics], looked for them, and again obtained them. [Xu Chun of the Song Dynasty Read Sutras and Obtained Two Pieces of Relics] In the nineteenth year (442) of the Yuanjia era of the Song dynasty, Xu Chun of Gaoping (in present-day Shanxi province) read sutras. During a mealtime he obtained two pieces of relics and placed them in a jar. Later, every time he saw them, they had increased and eventually became twenty pieces. Afterward, [Xu Chun] lived in Guangling county (in present-day Jiangsu province). Director Liu Fu secretly opened [Xu Chun's jar of relics], but it was empty. When [Xu] Chun was present, suddenly and spontaneously all [the relics] could be seen. Later, however, when [Xu Chun] regressed [in the practice of reading sutras], [the relics] disappeared. The relics manifest themselves corresponding to [people's needs]. Many people encounter [relics]. All those who respect [the relics] attain them; those who disparage them lose them.

Since the time the [Buddha's] relics were transmitted to the east, they have persisted through successive imperial dynasties for a long time. What biographies and historical records mention briefly amounts only to one ten-thousandth [of the facts regarding the relics]. Since incidents follow one after another, having frequent revelations is not unusual. Truly the Buddha's profound purpose is shown by the appearance and hiding [of his relics].242 Government enterprises to establish stupas is, however, great in merit. During the single edification time of the Sui dynasty, [stupas] were established in more than one hundred places where supernatural auspicious omens had been revealed. This is separately explained in various biographies. I will now briefly present them in order to show [the Buddha's] glorious virtue, and so on.243 Emperor Wen of the Sui Dynasty Built

Stupas for the Buddha's Relics

Stupas were erected in twenty-eight zhou (provinces) and auspicious omens were perceived in fifty-three zhou.

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[Emperor Wen, Founder of the Sui Dynasty]

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A Forest of Pearls from the Dharma Garden, Volume VI Xianyou ("Hermits Roam") Monastery in Yongzhou (in present-day Shaanxi province).

Fengquan ("Phoenix Fountain") Monastery in Qizhou (in present-day Shaanxi province).

Sijue ("To Think and Awaken") Monastery in Huazhou (in present-day Shaanxi province).

Daxingguo ("Greatly Prosperous Country") Monastery in Tongzhou (in present-day Shaanxi province).

Daxingguo Monastery in Jingzhou (in present-day Gansu province). Qiyan ("To Settle in a Cave") Monastery in Puzhou (in present-day Shanxi province).

Daiyue (Mount Dai) Monastery in Taizhou. Wuliangshou ("Immeasurable Life") Monastery in Bingzhou (in presentday Shanxi province). Hengyue (Mount Heng) Monastery in Dingzhou (in present-day Hebei province).

Xianju ("To Lead a Quiet Life") Monastery in Songzhou (in present-day Henan province).

Daci ("Great Benevolence") Monastery in Xiangzhou (in present-day Henan province).

Lianyunyue (Mount Lianyun) Monastery in Kuozhou (in present-day Gansu province).

Hengyue (Mount Heng) Monastery in Hengzhou (in present-day Hunan province).

Daxingguo Monastery in Xiangzhou (in present-day Hubei province). Jushenshan (Mount Jushen) Monastery in Mouzhou. Dayu ("Great Yu") Monastery in Wuzhou (in present-day Jiangsu province).

Huqiushan (Mount Huqiu) Monastery in Suzhou (in present-day Jiangsu province).

Stupas were erected at these monasteries in the seventeen zhou mentioned above. They were built with funds provided by the monasteries and the national treasury.

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Qinzhou (in present-day Gansu province).

Guazhou (in present-day Gansu province).

Yangzhou (in present-day Jiangsu province).

Yizhou (in present-day Sichuan province).

Bozhou (in present-day Anhui province).

Guizhou (in present-day Guangxi province).

Jiaozhou (in present-day Guangxi province).

Ruzhou (in present-day Henan province).

Panzhou (in present-day Guangdong province).

Jiangzhou (i.e., Mount Zhong near present-day Nanjing of Jiangsu province).

Zhengzhou (in present-day Henan province).

In these eleven zhou, following mountains and rivers, monasteries provinces and counties were built in pure locations. Stupas were built with funds provided by the same sources mentioned above. [Emperor Wen, Founder

of the Sui Dynasty]

I, [the Buddha's] disciple, respectfully think as follows: With great benevolence and compassion, the Buddha relieves and protects sentient beings. He is a ferry and a bridge [to the far shore] for various beings. I take refuge in the Three Treasures and [seek to] restore the sacred teaching. I aspire to attain enlightenment together with all the people of the world and to cultivate meritorious acts along with them. If in the present life and the life to come we endlessly make wholesome causes, we will ascend to the wondrous fruition. We should invite thirty śramaṇas who are versed in interpreting the characteristics of the [Buddhist] Dharma and who are also skilled in propagating the teaching and guiding the people. Each should bring two attendants, a granted sanguan (one who holds a sinecure post in a government office), one hundred and twenty catties of olibanum (Skt. kunduruka), and five horses, determine their own route, escort the relics to all the zhou (provinces) mentioned previously, and build stupas there. In cases where water has not been funneled to a monastery, go to another monastery located near a mountain stream. A stupa should be erected on the 253

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mountain of the former [monastery]. If there is no monastery, erect a stupa in a quiet monastery site in the same zhou.

Administrators should make models and escort them to the zhou concerned. The number of monks needed is three hundred and sixty at most, or two hundred and forty, or at least one hundred and twenty. If the number of monks is less [than needed], put forth all currently available monks. For my sake and for the sake of the empress, the crown prince, all the extensive princes, their offspring, domestic and foreign government officials, all the common people, and the spirits of people in this world as well as the unseen world, all the monks should circumambulate the Buddha's seat chanting sutras and repent of their sins for seven days. After a stupa has been built, on the days when [monks] practice circumambulation of the Buddha's seat and sutra chanting, beat the central pillar [of the stupa]!

We will allow people to make donations at their discretion regardless of whether they live in the same zhou as where the monastery is located or in another zhou. The amount of a donation of money is limited to ten wen. Donation money should be used to make offerings to a stupa and for its maintenance. If [the amount of donation money] is insufficient, male adults should serve the stupa with the treasury funds.

Monks and nuns of all zhou in my state territory should set up a Buddhist service for the relics. At noon on the fifteenth day of the tenth month, place [each relic] into a stone container at the same time.

All officials and officers, the Area Commander-in-Chief and the Regional Inspector and those of lower rank, and the District Defender and those of higher rank—except for those who work [in the office] for military emergencies, you must suspend your regular work for seven days, devotedly examine [your conduct], practice the [Buddhist] Way, and do things such as beat the central pillar [of the stupa]! Engage yourselves completely in [these practices] with sincerity and respect and fulfill my expectations! A person should be put in charge of this matter.

On the thirteenth day of the sixth month of the first year of the Renshou era (601).

Declared by Jian, Your Majesty's subject, King of Yuzhang and Director of the Secretariat.

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Records of the Relics' Responses

[to Human Faith and Meritorious Acts]

(Sheli ganying ji), Twenty Fascicles

Compiled by Wang Shao, Editorial Director

of the Sui Dynasty

The emperor (i.e., the founder of the Sui dynasty, Emperor Wen, r. 581-604) was formerly a dragon that lay hidden in the deep (i.e., a sage who stays away from the royal court). A brahman śramaṇa visited his house, and taking out a bag of relics [the śramaṇa] said, "Donor! You are of goodwill. Therefore, keep this and make an offering to it!" The śramaṇa left a little while later; [the emperor] looked for him but he did not know where [the śramaṇa] lived. After that, the emperor and Tanqian Śramaṇa several times placed the relics on the palms of their hands and counted them. Sometimes they counted a few and other times they counted many; they could not completely settle [the exact number of relics]. Tanqian said, "I once heard that a brahman said that the Dharma body goes beyond ordinary limits in quantity. This is not something worldly people can measure." Thereupon [the emperor] made for the first time a seven-treasure box in which he placed [the relics]. The marvelous nun Zhixian said, "The Buddhist Dharma is about to be extinguished. All the divinities have already left for the west. You must be a kind father for the whole world and revive the Buddhist Dharma, then all the divinities will return."

Later, as it turns out, [Emperor Wu of the Northern] Zhou dynasty destroyed the Buddhist Dharma, but the royal family of the Sui dynasty received the Mandate of Heaven and restored it. Whenever the occasion arose, Emperor [Wen] made a statement referring to the marvelous nun, saying, "My prosperity is due to the Buddha. Therefore, make an image of the marvelous nun in each of the world's relic stupas!" In Fajie ("Dharma Realm") Nunnery in the city, the emperor and empress built a stupa on a foundation in order to fulfill their vow and enshrined the relics under the stupa. One night during the last month of autumn in the fifteenth year of the Kaihuang era (595), mysterious light arose from the foundation [of the stupa] and traveled clockwise around a dew basin. It was as bright as the flames of a melting furnace. Within ten days things like this happened four times. 255

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On the thirteenth day of the sixth month of the first year of the Renshou era (601) the emperor was at the Renshou Hall in Renshou Palace. It was his birthday and on this day every year [the emperor] comtemplated [the truth] with deep faith for a long time, cultivated himself, engaged in meritorious, good acts, and requited the kindness of his deceased parents. Therefore, he invited various great virtuous śramaṇas and discussed with them the way to attain the truth. He wished to select thirty lofty, cool, and quiet places in all the zhou within the country and erect a relic stupa at each of these places. Thereupon, the emperor held the seven-treasure box in both hands. He removed thirty pieces of the relics from [the box], placed them on a long table at his seat, and burned incense and worshiped them together with all the śramaṇas. He vowed, "I, your disciple, will always protect and maintain the Three Treasures by the true Dharma and deliver all sentient beings from difficulties." He then took thirty gold jars and thirty pieces of lapis lazuli, put a piece of lapis lazuli into each gold jar, added a piece of relic to the gold jar, [and in this way made thirty gold relic jars]. Kunduruka incense kneaded into a paste was then applied to the covers of the jars to seal them. In all thirty zhou at the same time, at noon on the fifth day of the tenth month, [a relic jar] was put into a copper or stone container and the stupas were built at the same time.

All the śramaṇas respectfully escorted [the relics] to their respective zhou. All the people of the country, both clergy and laypeople, solemnly held incense, flowers, and treasure streamers, played music, and swept and washed the roads [on which the relics were transported]. They did their best with utmost sincerity to respectfully welcome the relics. It is impossible to fully explain this. Everyone perceived mysterious auspicious omens. It was just as has been explained in extensive biographies. I will now briefly sketch ten events in order to demonstrate this for people of future generations. On that day together with the empress, the crown prince, and the palace concubines, the emperor exerted his mind with pure sincerity and exhausted his strength in repenting his sins. Together they formed a good relationship with [the Buddhist Dharma] for the benefit of all sentient beings. The emperor saw a strange monk wearing a brown-colored saṃkakṣikā (shirt worn under the Buddhist surplice). He said to his attendants, "Do not disturb him! Leave him alone and he will go away." When they recounted 256

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[the number of monks present], as had been expected [the strange monk] had disappeared. As the relics were about to be taken out, the emperor said, "Now the Buddhist Dharma has again revived. Certainly there will be sacred responses in conjunction with our faith and meritorious acts." Afterward there were reports about [sacred responses] to the emperor from various places. Everything was just as he had said.

During this tenth month, every time the emperor ate he obtained relics under his teeth, and so did the empress. Water was put in a silver bowl and a piece [of relic] floated on it. It was taken out and shown to the officials of all ranks and descriptions. In an instant they unexpectedly saw that there were two pieces [of relic], which circled clockwise and stuck to each other. Two noblemen as well as Zhao, the king of Jin, and Jian, the king of Yuzhang, received favor and were granted inkstones by an imperial decree. They carefully examined the inkstones and each of them obtained a piece of relic in their inkstone.244 Before twenty days had passed, a total of nineteen pieces of relics were obtained in the royal palace. They emitted much light. From that time on, the clergy and laypeople far and near who possessed relics all offered them [to the emperor]. The emperor said, "How can these all be parts of [the Buddha's] true body?' The śramaṇas struck the relics with a hammer and just as [the emperor] had suspected, there were thirteen gems and grains [among the relics]. The true relics sustained no damage even though they had been struck with iron and pricked with a needle. On the day the stupa was erected at Xianyou Monastery in southern Zhouzhi county, west of the capital city of Yongzhou (in present-day Shaanxi province), it was cloudy and snowy. Dark mountains appeared to be thickly layered [in clouds]. At the moment the [Buddha's] relic was being lowered, the dark clouds suddenly scattered and sunlight shone brightly. The clergy and laypeople scattered flowers. Then the clouds gathered, just as before. A description of what was witnessed when the stupa was erected at Feng quan Monastery in Qizhou (in present-day Shaanxi province) says, "The [relic] container was made of a stone like jade. Furthermore, figures of the twin śāla trees, birds, and animals and supernatural auspicious signs appeared [on the sides of a large container]. The foundation stone [of the stupa] changed to be like crystal."

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When the stupa was erected at Daxingguo Monastery in Jingzhou (in present-day Gansu province), three different places sent [to the monastery] an old [polished] stone, something that was not generally available in the world. A [relic] container was made by assembling [the stones sent from the three places]. [All the stone pieces] fit together perfectly. After the foundation [of the stupa] erected at Jingnian Monastery in Qinzhou (in present-day Gansu province) was laid, auspicious clouds covered [the stupa]. Even though it snowed, trees and plants bloomed. When [the Buddha's relic] was put into a container, light shone and a voice was heard praising it.

When the stupa was erected at Sijue Monastery in Huazhou (in presentday Shaanxi province), it was cloudy and snowy initially, but as the [Buddha's] relic was about to descend the sunlight shone brilliantly.245 Luminous fivecolored light ascended several tens of zhang. It covered the top of the stupa and stretched out in a beam. Treasure flowers fell from the sky. When the stupa was erected at Daxingguo Monastery in Tongzhou (in present-day Shaanxi province), the people were caught in a rainstorm with no place to take cover. Just as the [Buddha's] relic was put into a container, the clouds suddenly parted and swiftly scattered, and sunlight shone. Moreover, there a mystical light [from the relic] repeatedly revolved around the sun. One night in the twelfth month the [mystical] light shone upon [the area] for a distance of fifty li.

When the stupa was erected at Qiyan Monastery in Puzhou (in presentday Shanxi province), the earth quaked and the mountains roared. There was a loud tolling of a bell and the sound of a drum. Furthermore, light was emitted onto five roads. All the people, even those two hundred li away, saw it. When the stupa was erected at Wuliangshou Monastery in Bingzhou (in present-day Shanxi province), it was dark in the daytime and the clouds were piled up. As the [Buddha's] relic was about to be put into a container, the sky cleared up and the sun shone. Furthermore, [the relic] emitted mystical five-colored light. The heavenly gods revealed themselves; no one knew how many there were.

On the day the stupa was erected at Hengyue Monastery in Dingzhou (in present-day Hebei province), a strange old man came and donated a bolt of 258

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cloth. After shouldering [several baskets of] soil, he disappeared. There had been no water source at that place, but suddenly a stream of water emerged. [The circumstances] were different before and after the appearance of the old man.

On the day the stupa was erected at Daci Monastery in Xiangzhou (in present-day Henan province), the sky was dark and it snowed. When the [Buddha's] relic was being lowered into a container, the sun came out. After [the relic] descended, [the clouds] returned. Wonderful flowers fell from the sky. Many [flowers] poured down in succession.

On the day the stupa was erected at Dingjue Monastery in Zhengzhou (in present-day Henan province), a mystical light like a shooting star entered the monastery. [The monastery] had provided and offered food enough for two thousand servings, but even after ten thousand people had eaten the food was not used up.

When the stupa was erected at Xianju Monastery in Songzhou (in present-day Henan province), a white rabbit came to the front of a sedan chair. Initially it was cloudy and snowy but as [the Buddha's relic] was being lowered [into a container], the sun came out [and shone] brightly. After [the relic] went into [the container, the clouds] returned. When the stupa was erected at Kaiji Monastery in Bozhou (in presentday Anhui province), there was no good stone [for a relic container] in the area. Three stones from a different area were pieced together to make a [relic] container. The foundation [of the stupa] reached a huge rock and [the stupa] was placed between two wells of rippling water.246

When the stupa was erected at Xingshi Monastery in Ruzhou (in presentday Henan province), initially it was dark, cloudy, and snowy. At the moment [the Buddha's relic] was being lowered [into a container], the sky cleared up. After [the relic] was put in the container, the dark clouds returned. A stupa was erected at Daiyue Monastery in Taizhou. One night there was the sound of a drum, and a triple gate spontaneously opened. Horsemen came out from the monastery to receive [the Buddha's relic]. Auspicious omens of light occurred repeatedly.

When [the people] dug the foundation of the stupa erected at Shengfu Monastery in Qingzhou (in present-day Shandong province), they came 259

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across a large natural rock container. At the moment [the Buddha's relic] was about to be put into the stupa, an auspicious sign of light appeared. When the stupa was erected at Jushenshan Monastery in Mouzhou, two stems of purplish mushrooms were obtained.247 It was cloudy and snowy, but as [the Buddha's relic] was being lowered [into a container], the sun came out. After the container was closed, [the clouds] returned. When [the people] dug the foundation of the stupa built at Zhimen Monastery in Suizhou (in present-day Hubei province), they obtained a mysterious tortoise. Nectar fell down [onto a stone bridge] and countless black bees flew around it. The tortoise had talismanic inscriptions [on its shell]. When the stupa was erected at Daxingguo Monastery in Xiangzhou (in present-day Hubei province), initially it was cloudy, but when [the Buddha's relic] was being lowered [into a container], the sun came out [and shone] brightly. After [the relic] was put into the container, the clouds returned. A stupa was erected at Xi Monastery in Yangzhou (in present-day Jiangsu province). The people there had suffered from drought for a long time. The night the [Buddha's] relic arrived in the area, it rained everywhere. A stupa was erected at Qixia Monastery in Jiangzhou (i.e., Mount Zhong near present-day Nanjing of Jiangsu province). Previously, a person living nearby [the monastery] dreamed that the Buddha came from the northwest and entered the monastery. [The Buddha's relic] arrived in exactly the way he had dreamed.

A stupa was built at Dayu Monastery in Wuzhou (in present-day Jiangsu province). [The Buddha's relic] crossed five rivers, and the wind and waves did not rise at all on the rivers. Moreover, [the relic] emitted mystical light, and purplish mushrooms were obtained.

When the stupa was erected at Huqiushan Monastery in Suzhou (in present-day Jiangsu province), when [the people] dug the foundation [of the stupa] they obtained a piece of relic. Everyone heard heavenly music in the sky. A well roared for three days. Thereafter, the [Buddha's] relic [sent from the city] arrived at [the monastery].

When the stupa was erected at Hengyue Monastery in Hengzhou (in present-day Hunan province), [śramaṇas following the relic from Jiangling traveled on water for more than two thousand li].248 Four times they encountered 260

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an adverse wind and they begged for a favorable wind.249 [At the beginning when the people dug the foundation for the stupa] on Rong Peak there was a white cloud, two zhang wide,250 which came directly to the foundation site, circled it three times, and left.

A stupa was erected at Yuanhua Monastery of Guizhou (in present-day Guangxi province). Ten li from the side [of the city where the monastery was located] there were about one thousand birds flying on both sides of the carriage [carrying the Buddha's relic]. When [the relic] entered the city, the birds scattered.

When the stupa was erected at Lingjiu Monastery in Panzhou (in present-day Guangdong province), there was an image of a supernatural being who appeared in clouds rising from a pit.

When the stupa was erected at Faju Monastery in Yizhou (in present-day Sichuan province) it was initially cloudy, dark, and gloomy. When [the Buddha's relic] was being lowered [into a container], the sun came out [and shone] brightly. After [the container] was covered, it became cloudy again. A stupa was erected at Fajiang Monastery in Kuozhou (in present-day Gansu province). At the beginning [the Buddha's relic] had traveled from the west of a region on the border [of Kuozhou]. That night in Kuozhou there was auspicious light several zhang high. It came from the east and descended into the earth. All the people both inside and outside [Kuozhou] saw it. Wang Wei, a government official in Weizhou (in present-day Henan province), sent ninety exiles under proper escort. On their way they came across the Buddha's relic and they all gave rise to a wholesome mind. [Wang Wei] released [the exiles], expecting to meet them later at a fixed time. All the prisoners were released and they met at the same time one thousand li from that place. There was not even a single escapee.

A man from Suizhou (in present-day Hubei province) made three hundred fish traps in the Wen River; this was a time-honored occupation from ancient times. When he saw the Buddha's relic, he decided to release all [the fish] and eternally cut off this evil. People of other zhou also followed him. 261

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A Report to the Emperor on the Celebration of the

Buddha's Relics' Responses to Human Faith and

Meritorious Acts (Qing sheli ganyingbiao),

Together with the Imperial Reply251

Xiong, King of Ande, and All the Government Officials of the Sui Dynasty

We, your subjects, Xiong and others, address [Your Majesty]. We have heard that the Buddha is perfect in every possible way, his truth shines upon existence and nonexistence, the utmost Sage (i.e., the Buddha) temporarily takes form, and he does not undergo the arising and perishing of phenomena. Therefore, even though his [human] form was dispersed, tiny pieces [of his remains] were collected and are respectfully stored in a gold jar, and even though his body was scattered and his [earthly] trace erased, still we can establish a Buddhist temple.

After Śakra-devendra asked for the ashes [of the Buddha], since the time King Aśoka built stupas, there has not been a case when the [Buddha's] relics have been distributed and successive superior acts have arisen. We humbly think that you, the emperor, have accumulated [good] causes for kalpas, testified to enlightenment in your previous existence, demeaned yourself to become a ruler of human beings, and protected and maintained the world.

In the past, the [Buddhist] Way vanished according to its destiny. Temples were abandoned and destroyed. The reflection of the lamp of benevolence was extinguished. The sea of wisdom ceased flowing. But since you ascended the throne, the Dharma drum has restored order, everywhere within your territory has become a pure land, and all your people are covered by pure clouds. In the summer, the sixth month of the last year, Your Majesty issued an imperial edict to invite śramaṇas, who respectfully escorted relics to thirty zhou. Stupas were built at the same time on the fifteenth day of the tenth month.

The stupa site was then leveled at Qiyan Monastery in Puzhou. At that point, a bell tolled and a drum sounded on the mountain. The Buddha's relic was kept in a lecture hall [of Qiyan Monastery]. During the previous night, 262

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a great light emanated from above the stupa and entered the hall. It flowed, shone, and illuminated the room. When the relic was about to be put in the copper container, there was light again. Just like [smoke from] an incense burner, [the light] took advantage of space, rose up, and reached a jeweled pitcher in the stupa. Furthermore, purplish flames rose, dispersing at one moment, and coming together at another. They all became lotus flowers. Again there was light above the stupa. Its shape was just like an image of the Buddha, beautifully furnished with a pedestal shaped like a lotus flower. It remained for a long time and then gradually disappeared. Again there was light that circled the jeweled pitcher of the stupa. Monks of Renshou Monastery in the capital city of Puzhou saw the summit of the mountain far away. [The light] was just like a watchtower; the mountaintop and a gorge appeared clearly and brightly. [The light] illuminated a corner of the southeast of the capital city of [Pu]zhou. It did not disappear for a very long time. As for Qiyan Monastery, it was built by Taizu Emperor Wuyuan (the posthumous title of Yang Zhong, the father of Yang Jian, founder of the Sui dynasty). Furthermore, in the place where a stupa was erected in Huazhou, up to that time it was cloudy, foggy, and snowed a great deal, but suddenly [the weather] cleared. On top of the stupa was a finial of [the five] cardinal colors (i.e., blue, yellow, red, white, and black). After the [Buddha's] relic was lowered [into the container], the clouds and fog returned. The emperor and the empress again obtained the [Buddha's] relics, which were luminous and gave off variegated colors. [The luminosity and the colors] appeared in one moment and disappeared at another. Other than a wondrous sage with the highest virtue and pure sincerity who is in harmony with the [Buddhist] Way, who could cause supernatural achievements, marvelous states of things, and outstanding circumstances such as these? We, Your Majesty's subjects, live in an era of peace and justice through a turn of fate. We have already seen a peaceful world. We were born to encounter wholesome acts. We have just emerged from a state of defilement. We are overwhelmed by great joy and respectfully present a report to Your Majesty to express our congratulations. We submit this to the imperial hearing (yiwen).

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[The Imperial Reply]

I, [the Buddha's] disciple, respectfully think as follows. The Buddha covers and protects sentient beings, relieves people from the sea of suffering, and delivers ignorant and confused people from the burning house (i.e., the three realms of existence). I, therefore, transfer my merit to others with an utmost mind and intend to take refuge in [the Buddha].

As a result, I think that, together with subjects of my land, I can revere excellent acts and make wholesome causes until I reach the obscure or luminous world. Therefore, I distributed the [Buddha's] relics and constructed marvelous stupas. Accordingly, with benevolence and compassion the Great Sage frequently displays the phases of light and sends down the spirit of the relics into the imperial palace. The cause of this is not known. [The relics] spontaneously transformed and revealed themselves. We accepted them with great joy; we obtained unprecedented [gifts]. This truly indicates that sentient beings are very fortunate. I hope to prolong this [good] fortune. How could this bliss be anything caused by my insignificant sincerity? I read the report presented by the princes and nobles, in which their fear and respect for me are profound. Together with the princes, nobles, and all the people, I should further overcome my desires and exert myself to cause the Three Treasures to flourish.

At present we still have fifty pieces of relics of the true body [of the Buddha]. The agency in charge of this matter should divide them and send them to [monasteries] in my land, as has been done previously. I pray that we completely escape from the defilement of the three evil realms and the six realms and that all sentient beings will ascend to the wondrous fruition. Officials in charge of this matter, put it into operation! When messengers from Koguryo, Paekche, and Silla were about to return to their countries, every one of them begged for a piece of the [Buddha's] relics to build a stupa for and make offering to in their homelands. By imperial order, these requests were all approved.

An imperial decree was issued to build a stupa at Daxingshan Monastery in the city. The [Buddha's] relic was first placed in the hall of the Department of State Affairs. On the morning of the second day of the twelfth month, [the relic] was transported [to Daxingshan Monastery]. At that time the weather was clear 264

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and bright, mild with gentle breezes. Jeweled carriages, streamers, incense, flowers, music, and various offerings filled the streets. It was not known whether [the number of] the clergy and laypeople, both men and women, numbered several thousands, several tens of thousands, or several hundreds of millions. [The emperor and courtiers] wearing ceremonial dress with distinctive colors and designs entered and took their seats. They walked in a leisurely manner in their order of rank. Everyone below Xiong, King of Ande and the Supreme Pillar of State and Minister of Works, followed [Xiong] on foot and came to the monastery. The quinquennial great assembly (Skt. pañca-vārṣika) was set up, and [in the assembly] people worshiped the Three Treasures and repented their sins. There was a small blue bird that came among the people with familiarity. Someone drew out a sword he was carrying and threw it as a donation. [The sword fell down and] struck a crowd of people, yet no one was even slightly injured. On the twenty-third day of the first month of the second year (602) of the Renshou era, [the Buddha's relics] were again distributed to fifty-three zhou and holy stupas were built. Officials below the rank of Regional Inspector Commander-in-Chief and above the rank of District Defender were ordered to suspend their routine duties for seven days. Monks were invited to circumabulate the stupa chanting a sutra. They edified the people and beat the central pillar [of the stupa]. [The people] donated money in the amount of ten wen. All things were conducted the same as before.

The date was set for noon of the eighth day of the fourth month. Simultaneously throughout the country, the land within the [reach of] Buddhist edification, [each of the relics] was lowered into a stone container, which was then sealed. Regarding auspicious responses witnessed by [ people], they have been individually recorded, as follows.

Hengzhou (in present-day Shanxi province): there were no clouds or rainfall. Auspicious flowers fell from the sky throughout the city. There were similar [good signs].

Quanzhou (in present-day Fujian province).

Xunzhou (in present-day Guangdong province).

Rongzhou (in present-day Rehe province): white light was emitted three times. An old stone was obtained, which [spontaneously] broke apart and a [relic] container was made from it.

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Hangzhou (in present-day Zhejiang province): when the people dug the foundation [for a stupa] there was a natural stone cave, suitable to hold a stone [relic] container.

Liangzhou (in present-day Gansu province).

Dezhou (in present-day Shandong province): People witnessed a large bird flying in circles around a stupa. No one knew [the reason for this]. Cangzhou (in present-day Hebei province).

Guanzhou (in present-day Hebei province): above the stupa five-colored clouds appeared from noon until sunset.

Yingzhou (in present-day Hebei province): on the foundation [of the stupa] purplish mushrooms appeared.

Jizhou (in present-day Hebei province): all those who had suffered from blindness or disability in their limbs were cured. Youzhou (in present-day Hebei province): a [relic] container that shone like a mirror emitted light and numerous images [of extraordinary beings appeared on its surface].

Xuzhou (in present-day Jiangsu province): the [cover of a relic] container displayed the features of hermits and sage monks. Juzhou (in present-day Shandong province): [the Buddha's relic that had originally been in one piece] revealed itself as three pieces and emitted mystical light. Under the foundation of [the stupa] an old [copper] stupa was discovered. Those who had suffered from dumbness became able to speak. Qizhou (in present-day Shandong province).

Laizhou (in present-day Shandong province).

Chuzhou (in present-day Jiangsu province): a wild deer came to listen [to the Dharma] and wild geese soared above the stupa. Jiangzhou (in present-day Jiangxi province): a copper [Buddhist] image emerged from the earth.

Tanzhou (in present-day Hunan province): when the [Buddha's] relic reached a large river, one thousand mystical birds welcomed it. Maozhou (in present-day Henan province): gold, silver, and flowers fell from the sky.

Beizhou (in present-day Hebei province).

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Songzhou (in present-day Henan province): the water in a well changed from bitter to sweet. Light was emitted and auspicious flowers fell from the sky as if it were snowing.

Zhaozhou (in present-day Hebei province): red light was emitted. There were innumerable auspicious [Buddhist] images.

Jizhou (in present-day Shandong province): [the Buddha's relic, which was originally one piece, revealed itself as] two pieces. Mystical light was emitted and there was a sweet smell. A toll of a bell [spontaneously] sounded from a space between clouds.252

Yanzhou (in present-day Shandong province).

Shouzhou (in present-day Anhui province).

Xinzhou (in present-day Jiangxi province).

Jingzhou (in present-day Hubei province): clouds covered the stupa. [Heavenly] flowers fell but did not reach [the ground]. Lanzhou (in present-day Gansu province): under the foundation [of the stupa], a stone [Buddhist] image was found. Furthermore, two copper [Buddhist] images were found. Liangzhou (in present-day Shaanxi province).

Lizhou (in present-day Shaanxi province): light was emitted that was as bright as the moon.

Luzhou (in present-day Shanxi province): a mysterious natural spring gushed out. Ill people who came across it were cured. Lizhou (in present-day Sichuan province): a tile was found under the ground. The inscriptions [on the circular facade of the tile] read, "Happy movements for one thousand years" (qian qiu le dong). Cizhou (in present-day Shanxi province): the cover of a relic [container] displayed an image that looked just like a flying hermit. A mysterious spring gushed out. Ill people were cured.

Weizhou (in present-day Sichuan province):253 light was emitted several times. Treasure flowers fell from the sky and people obtained them. Shenzhou (in present-day Henan province).

Bianzhou (in present-day Henan province): there was extraordinary fragrance. Light was emitted. A [Buddhist] image emerged. Ill people recovered their health.

Xuzhou (in present-day Henan province): [the Buddha's relic] emitted 267

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A Forest of Pearls from the Dharma Garden, Volume VI light ninety li away from [Xu]zhou. [The light] illuminated [outside and within the capital city of Xuzhou] and [all the people] saw it. [Five-colored bright clouds] covered the stupa. Sweet water gushed out from a well. Yuzhou (in present-day Henan province): five-colored light appeared. Inscriptions [engraved on a relic container turned] gold-colored. Xianzhou (in present-day Jilin province).

Caozhou (in present-day Shandong province): there were numerous cases of transformations and emissions of light.

Anzhou (in present-day Hubei province): [people] perceived a sweet smell. One night light was emitted. [White] clouds covered [a relic container]. Fish gathered.

Jinzhou (in present-day Shanxi province): five-colored light was emitted three times.

Huaizhou (in present-day Henan province): A male rabbit spontaneously came and was at ease [among people]. Light was emitted. There were extraordinary traces [of animals]. Shaanzhou (in present-day Henan province): light and mysterious auspicious signs appeared eleven times from the beginning to the end. Luozhou (in present-day Henan province): a sweet smell floated like a breeze. Light was frequently emitted.

Dengzhou (in present-day Henan province): a [stone] container turned into a jade [container], on which inscriptions appeared. Qinzhou (in present-day Gansu province): relics were repeatedly obtained. A [stone] container turned into an agate [container]. Weizhou (in present-day Henan province): light [emitted by the Buddha's relic] illuminated the outside [of the relic bottle]. Mingzhou (in present-day Hebei province): a monk who suffered from lumbago and could not walk heard [that the Buddha's relic was coming]. He traveled ten li to welcome it, and recovered [from his condition]. Zhengzhou (in present-day Henan province): light was emitted. Streamers brightly turned inward.

Qizhou (in present-day Henan province): five-colored light was emitted. Above are listed [occurences in] fifty-three zhou. From that time on there were mysterious auspicious signs in all forty zhou. It is impossible to fully enumerate them. They are completely described in a major commentary. 268

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Fascicle Forty254

A description of what was witnessed when the stupa was erected at Fengquan Monastery in Qizhou (in present-day Shaanxi province) says, "The [relic] container was made of a stone like jade. Furthermore, figures of the twin śāla trees, birds, and animals and supernatural auspicious signs appeared [on the sides of a large container]. The foundation stone [of the stupa] changed to be like crystal."

When the stupa was erected at Sijue Monastery in Huazhou (in presentday Shaanxi province), it was cloudy and snowy initially, but as the [Buddha's] relic was about to descend, the sunlight shone brilliantly. Luminous five-colored light ascended several tens of zhang. It covered the top of the stupa and stretched out in a beam. Treasure flowers fell from the sky. When the stupa was erected at Daxingguo Monastery in Tongzhou (in present-day Shaanxi province), the people were caught in a rainstorm with no place to take cover. Just as the [Buddha's] relic was put into a container, the clouds suddenly parted and swiftly scattered, and sunlight shone. Moreover, a mystical light [from the relic] repeatedly revolved around the sun. One night in the twelfth month the [mystical] light shone upon [the area] for a distance of fifty li.

When the stupa was erected at Daxingguo Monastery in Jingzhou (in present-day Gansu province), three different places sent [to the monastery] an old [polished] stone, something that was not generally available in the world. A [relic] container was made by assembling [the stones sent from the three places]. [All the stone pieces] fit together perfectly. When the stupa was erected at Qiyan Monastery in Puzhou (in presentday Shanxi province), the earth quaked and the mountains roared. There was a loud tolling of a bell and the sound of a drum. Furthermore, light was emitted onto five roads. All the people, even those two hundred li away, saw it. A stupa was erected at Daiyue Monastery in Taizhou. One night there was the sound of a drum, and a triple gate spontaneously opened. Horsemen came out from the monastery to receive [the Buddha's relic]. Auspicious omens of light occurred repeatedly.

When the stupa was erected at Wuliangshou Monastery in Bingzhou (in present-day Shanxi province), it was dark in the daytime and the clouds were piled up. As the [Buddha's] relic was about to be put into a container, the 269

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sky cleared up and the sun shone. Furthermore, [the relic] emitted mystical light on five roads.255 The heavenly gods revealed themselves; no one knew how many there were.

On the day the stupa was erected at Hengyue Monastery in Dingzhou (in present-day Hebei province), a strange old man came and donated a bolt of cloth. After shouldering [several baskets of] soil, he disappeared. There had been no water source at that place, but suddenly a stream of water emerged. [The circumstances] were different before and after the appearance of the old man.

When the stupa was erected at Xianju Monastery in Songzhou (in present-day Henan province), a white rabbit came to the front of a sedan chair. Initially it was cloudy and snowy but as [the Buddha's relic] was being lowered [into a container], the sun came out [and shone] brightly. After [the relic] went into [the container, the clouds] returned. On the day the stupa was erected at Daci Monastery in Xiangzhou (in present-day Henan province), the sky was dark and it snowed. When the [Buddha's] relic was being lowered into a container, the sun came out. After [the relic] descended, [the clouds] returned. Wonderful flowers fell from the sky. Many [flowers] poured down in succession.

A stupa was erected at Fajiang Monastery in Kuozhou (in present-day Gansu province). At the beginning [the Buddha's relic] had traveled from the west of a region on the border [of Kuozhou]. That night in Kuozhou there was auspicious light several zhang high. It came from the east and descended into the earth. All the people both inside and outside [Kuozhou] saw it. When the stupa was erected at Hengyue Monastery in Hengzhou (in present-day Hunan province), [śramaṇas following the relic from Jiangling traveled on water for more than two thousand li].256 Four times they encountered an adverse wind and they begged for a favorable wind. [At the beginning when the people dug the foundation for the stupa] on Rong Peak there was a white cloud, two zhang wide, that came directly to the foundation site, circled it three times, and left.

When the stupa was erected at Daxingguo Monastery in Xiangzhou (in present-day Hubei province), initially it was cloudy, but when [the Buddha's relic] was being lowered [into a container], the sun came out [and shone] brightly. After [the relic] was put into the container, the clouds returned. 270

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When the stupa was erected at Jushenshan Monastery in Mouzhou, two stems of purplish mushrooms were obtained. It was cloudy and snowy, but as [the Buddha's relic] was being lowered [into a container], the sun came out. After the container was closed, [the clouds] returned. A stupa was built at Dayu Monastery in Wuzhou (in present-day Jiangsu province). [The Buddha's relic] crossed five rivers, and the wind and waves did not rise at all on the rivers. Moreover, [the relic] emitted mystical light, and purplish mushrooms were obtained.

When the stupa was erected at Huqiushan Monastery in Suzhou (in present-day Jiangsu province), when [the people] dug the foundation [of the stupa] they obtained a piece of relic. Everyone heard heavenly music in the sky. A well roared for three days. Thereafter, the [Buddha's] relic [sent from the city] arrived at [the monastery].

After the foundation [of the stupa] erected at Jingnian Monastery in Qinzhou (in present-day Gansu province) was laid, auspicious clouds covered [the stupa]. Even though it snowed, trees and plants bloomed. When [the Buddha's relic] was put into a container, light shone and a voice was heard praising it. (The description of Guazhou Monastery is missing here.) A stupa was erected at Xi Monastery in Yangzhou (in present-day Jiangsu province). The people there had suffered from drought for a long time. The night the [Buddha's] relic arrived in the area, it rained everywhere. When the stupa was erected at Faju Monastery in Yizhou (in present-day Sichuan province) it was initially cloudy, dark, and gloomy. When [the Buddha's relic] was being lowered [into a container], the sun came out [and shone] brightly.257 After [the container] was covered, it became cloudy again. When the stupa was erected at Kaiji Monastery in Bozhou (in presentday Anhui province), there was no good stone [for a relic container] in the area. Three stones from a different area were pieced together to make a [relic] container. The foundation [of the stupa] reached a huge rock and [the stupa] was placed between two wells of rippling water.

A stupa was erected at Yuanhua Monastery of Guizhou (in present-day Guangxi province). Ten li from the side [of the city where the monastery was located] there were about one thousand birds flying on both sides of the carriage [carrying the Buddha's relic]. When [the relic] entered the city, the birds scattered.

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(The description of Jiaozhou Monastery is missing here). When the stupa was erected at Xingshi Monastery in Ruzhou (in presentday Henan province), initially it was dark, cloudy, and snowy. At the moment [the Buddha's relic] was being lowered [into a container], the sky cleared up. After [the relic] was put in the container, the dark clouds returned. When the stupa was erected at Lingjiu Monastery in Panzhou (in present-day Guangdong province), there was an image of a supernatural being who appeared from rising clouds in a pit.

A stupa was erected at Qixia Monastery in Jiangzhou (i.e., Mount Zhong near present-day Nanjing of Jiangsu province). Previously, a person living nearby [the monastery] dreamed that the Buddha came from the northwest and entered the monastery. [The Buddha's relic] arrived in exactly the way he had dreamed.

On the day the stupa was erected at Dingjue Monastery in Zhengzhou (in present-day Henan province), a mystical light like a shooting star entered the monastery. [The monastery] had provided and offered food enough for two thousand servings, but even after ten thousand people had eaten, the food was not used up.

When [the people] dug the foundation of the stupa built at Zhimen Monastery in Suizhou (in present-day Hubei province), they obtained a mysterious tortoise. Nectar fell down [onto a stone bridge] and countless black bees flew around it. The tortoise had talismanic inscriptions [on its shell]. (The descriptions after this are not counted in the number of twenty-eight zhou.)

Wang Wei, a government official of Suizhou,258 sent ninety exiles under proper escort. On their way they came across the Buddha's relic and they all gave rise to a wholesome mind. [Wang Wei] released [the exiles], expecting to meet them later at a fixed time. All the prisoners were released and they met at the same time one thousand li from that place. There was not even a single escapee.

A man from Suizhou (in present-day Hubei province) made three hundred fish traps in the Wen River; this was a time-honored occupation from ancient times. When he saw the Buddha's relic, he decided to release all [the fish] and eternally cut off this evil. People of other zhou also followed him. 272

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Hengzhou (in present-day Shanxi province): there were no clouds or rainfall. Auspicious flowers fell from the sky throughout the city. There were similar [good signs].

Quanzhou (in present-day Fujian province).

Xunzhou (in present-day Guangdong province).

Rongzhou (in present-day Rehe province): white light was emitted three times. An old stone was obtained, which [spontaneously] broke apart and a [relic] container was made from it.

Dezhou (in present-day Shandong province): People witnessed a large bird flying in circles around a stupa. No one knew [the reason for this]. Hangzhou (in present-day Zhejiang province): when the people dug the foundation [for a stupa] there was a natural stone cave, suitable to hold a stone [relic] container.

Liangzhou (in present-day Gansu province).

Hongzhou (in present-day Jiangxi province): a white-headed crow guided [the Buddha's relic] ceaselessly.

Guanzhou (in present-day Hebei province): above the stupa five-colored clouds appeared from noon until sunset.

Cangzhou (in present-day Hebei province).

Yingzhou (in present-day Hebei province): on the foundation [of the stupa] purplish mushrooms appeared.

Jizhou (in present-day Hebei province): all those who had suffered from blindness or disability in their limbs were cured. Youzhou (in present-day Hebei province): a [relic] container that shone like a mirror emitted light and numerous images [of extraordinary beings appeared on its surface].

Xuzhou (in present-day Jiangsu province): the [cover of a relic] container displayed the features of hermits and sage monks.

Juzhou (in present-day Shandong province): [the Buddha's relic that had originally been in one piece] revealed itself as three pieces and emitted mystical light. Under the foundation of [the stupa] an old [copper] stupa was discovered. Those who had suffered from dumbness became able to speak. Chuzhou (in present-day Jiangsu province): a wild deer came to listen [to the Dharma] and wild geese soared above the stupa. 273

A Forest of Pearls from the Dharma Garden, Volume VI Qizhou (in present-day Shandong province). Laizhou (in present-day Shandong province).259 Tanzhou (in present-day Hunan province): when the [Buddha's] relic reached a large river, one thousand mystical birds welcomed it. Maozhou (in present-day Henan province): gold, silver, and flowers fell from the sky.

Songzhou (in present-day Henan province): the water in a well changed from bitter to sweet. Light was emitted and auspicious flowers fell from the sky as if it were snowing.260

Jiangzhou (in present-day Jiangxi province): a copper [Buddhist] image emerged from the earth.

Beizhou (in present-day Hebei province).

Zhaozhou (in present-day Hebei province): red light was emitted. There were innumerable auspicious [Buddhist] images. Jizhou (in present-day Shandong province): [the Buddha's relic, which was originally one piece, revealed itself as] two pieces. Mystical light was emitted and there was a sweet smell. A toll of a bell [spontaneously] sounded from a space between clouds.

Jingzhou (in present-day Hubei province): clouds covered the stupa. [Heavenly] flowers fell but did not reach [the ground]. Yanzhou (in present-day Shandong province). Shouzhou (in present-day Anhui province).

Lanzhou (in present-day Gansu province): under the foundation [of the stupa], a stone [Buddhist] image was found. Furthermore, two copper [Buddhist] images were found. Xinzhou (in present-day Jiangxi province). Liangzhou (in present-day Shaanxi province). Lizhou (in present-day Shaanxi province): light was emitted that was as bright as the moon.

Luzhou (in present-day Shanxi province): a mysterious natural spring gushed out. Ill people who came across it were cured. Lizhou (in present-day Sichuan province): a tile was found under the ground. The inscriptions [on the circular facade of the tile] read, "Happy movements for one thousand years" (qian qiu le dong).261 274

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Cizhou (in present-day Shanxi province): the cover of a relic [container] displayed an image that looked just like a flying hermit. A mysterious spring gushed out. Ill people were cured.

Weizhou (in present-day Sichuan province): light was emitted several times. Treasure flowers fell from the sky and people obtained them.262 Bianzhou (in present-day Henan province): there was extraordinary fragrance. Light was emitted. A [Buddhist] image emerged. Ill people recovered their health.

Yuzhou (in present-day Henan province): five-colored light appeared. Inscriptions [engraved on a relic container turned] gold-colored. Xuzhou (in present-day Henan province): [the Buddha's relic] emitted light ninety li away from [Xu]zhou. [The light] illuminated [outside and within the capital city of Xuzhou] and [all the people] saw it.263 [Five-colored bright clouds] covered the stupa. Sweet water gushed out from a well. Anzhou (in present-day Hubei province): [people] perceived a sweet smell. One night light was emitted. [White] clouds covered [a relic container]. Fish gathered.264

Shenzhou (in present-day Henan province).

Xianzhou (in present-day Jilin province).

Jinzhou (in present-day Shanxi province): five-colored light was emitted three times.265

Jinzhou (in present-day Shanxi province): five-colored light was emitted three times.

Caozhou (in present-day Shandong province): there were numerous cases of transformations and emissions of light.

Huaizhou (in present-day Henan province): A male rabbit spontaneously came and was at ease [among people]. Light was emitted. There were extraordinary traces [of animals]. Shaanzhou (in present-day Henan province): light and mysterious auspicious signs appeared eleven times from the beginning to the end. Luozhou (in present-day Henan province): a sweet smell floated like a breeze. Light was frequently emitted.

Dengzhou (in present-day Henan province): a [stone] container turned into a jade [container], on which inscriptions appeared. 275