Vajradhara Library 持金剛仏佛教図書館

Forwarded from Ophiel

Rebirth of the parrot of the Tang Dynasty

Rebirth of the Parrot of the Tang Dynasty

During the Tang Dynasty, in the Pei family of the Hedong region, there was a parrot. Because the word “parrot” was mentioned in scriptures (such as the Amitabha Sutra), so it often enjoyed being near scriptures and knew to show respect towards them.

The owner once explained to the parrot the Six Purification Days (to observe the eight precepts). From then on, the parrot would refuse to even look at any food after midday, ignoring it entirely from the afternoon to night.

Someone once taught the parrot, "When reciting Amitabha Buddha's name, one should progress from a state of recitation with intention to a state of recitation without intention." Upon hearing this, the parrot raised its head and flapped its wings, as if it understood and accepted the teaching.

From then on, if anyone asked it to vocalise Amitabha Buddha's name, it would remain silent and not respond. However, if someone said it (the parrot) wasn’t reciting, the parrot would loudly recite, “Amituofo (Amitabha Buddha).”

The parrot often stayed in an empty room until daybreak. At daybreak, it would begin to sing in a harmonious and elegant tone, producing gentle sounds like those of reed wind instruments. Its recitation flowed continuously, and everyone who heard it felt pleasant and joyful.

In the 19th year of Emperor Dezong’s Zhenyuan reign of the Tang Dynasty (803 CE), during the seventh month, the parrot suddenly appeared frail and unhappy. Its caretaker realised that its life was nearing its end.

Thus, they struck a small bell and told the parrot: “You are about to be reborn in the Western Pure Land. I will strike the bell for you; may you maintain right mindfulness.” Each time the bell was struck, the parrot recited “Amituofo” once.

After completing ten recitations, it folded its wings and drew in its legs, neither trembling nor falling, and peacefully attained rebirth.

After its cremation, over ten śarīra relics were found among its ashes. The military governor Wei Gao even composed a biography for the parrot. (Annalist Documents of Buddhas and Patriarchs in Successive Generations)
- Excerpt from ‘Records of the Pure Land Sages’

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88 viewsָ࿄༵ 富仁 ࿅࿆, Jan 24 at 05:21

Rebirth of the parrot of the Tang Dynasty

Rebirth of the Parrot of the Tang Dynasty

During the Tang Dynasty, in the Pei family of the Hedong region, there was a parrot. Because the word “parrot” was mentioned in scriptures (such as the Amitabha Sutra), so it often enjoyed being near scriptures and knew to show respect towards them.

The owner once explained to the parrot the Six Purification Days (to observe the eight precepts). From then on, the parrot would refuse to even look at any food after midday, ignoring it entirely from the afternoon to night.

Someone once taught the parrot, "When reciting Amitabha Buddha's name, one should progress from a state of recitation with intention to a state of recitation without intention." Upon hearing this, the parrot raised its head and flapped its wings, as if it understood and accepted the teaching.

From then on, if anyone asked it to vocalise Amitabha Buddha's name, it would remain silent and not respond. However, if someone said it (the parrot) wasn’t reciting, the parrot would loudly recite, “Amituofo (Amitabha Buddha).”

The parrot often stayed in an empty room until daybreak. At daybreak, it would begin to sing in a harmonious and elegant tone, producing gentle sounds like those of reed wind instruments. Its recitation flowed continuously, and everyone who heard it felt pleasant and joyful.

In the 19th year of Emperor Dezong’s Zhenyuan reign of the Tang Dynasty (803 CE), during the seventh month, the parrot suddenly appeared frail and unhappy. Its caretaker realised that its life was nearing its end.

Thus, they struck a small bell and told the parrot: “You are about to be reborn in the Western Pure Land. I will strike the bell for you; may you maintain right mindfulness.” Each time the bell was struck, the parrot recited “Amituofo” once.

After completing ten recitations, it folded its wings and drew in its legs, neither trembling nor falling, and peacefully attained rebirth.

After its cremation, over ten śarīra relics were found among its ashes. The military governor Wei Gao even composed a biography for the parrot. (Annalist Documents of Buddhas and Patriarchs in Successive Generations)
- Excerpt from ‘Records of the Pure Land Sages’

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