PICTORIAL BIOGRAPHY OF THE VENERABLE MASTER

HSU YUN

Continued from issue 65

Composed by the Venerable Master Hua
Illustrated by a Student of Prajna
Translated by Disciple Bhiksu Heng Yo

THUS IS THE CAUSE; THUS IS THE RESULT #31

On P'u T'o Island, the Master extensively visited monasteries and temples. During the tenth month of that year, the tide washed up a huge fish, which was left in the sand a thousand paces from the water. It was very large, its eye being as large as a tub. The fishermen cut open its belly to reveal two small wooden boats. There were also a number of hair ornaments among other personal effects. The fish was used to construct a shelter for those walking along the seashore, admonishing people that one creates causes and then undergoes the retribution of their result. At that time, the tide also brought forth a headless dragon king, who appeared before everyone.

The Gatha says:

Receiving the Horse Feed and Spear retributions'

the Buddha is thus esteemed;

Our Master Yun encountered a fish

with marvelous mystery.

Such is the cause and such its effect,

and such is the retribution,

The celestial net, all-embracing,

            spreads forth impartially.

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1See VBS #12, p.20, for a similar event in the life of Sakyamuni Buddha.