In Search of the Supernatural (Soushen Ji)

In the seventh year Specifically the 7th year of the Yongping era, approximately 64 CE., the teachings reached China original: "中夏" (Zhōngxià), a literary name for the "Central Summer" or the Chinese heartland.. It was then that Emperor Ming of the Later Han Reigned 57–75 CE; he is historically celebrated as the first Chinese emperor to take an interest in Buddhism. dreamed one night of a "Golden Man." This figure was tall and imposing, and from the back of his neck, there radiated a brilliant light like that of the sun and the moon.

The Emperor questioned his assembled ministers about this vision. One of them replied, "In the West, there is a deity whose name is Buddha The "Awakened One"; a title for Siddhartha Gautama.. Could it not be him whom Your Majesty saw in your dream?"

Consequently, the Emperor dispatched envoys to India original: "天竺" (Tiānzhú), the ancient Chinese name for the Indian subcontinent. to inquire about his Way. They obtained his scriptures and returned to China accompanied by Shramanas Ascetic monks or spiritual practitioners who have left worldly life..

These Shramanas explained the nature of the deity: "The Buddha stands sixteen feet tall original: "一丈六尺" (yī zhàng liù chǐ). While a 'zhang' and 'chi' vary by dynasty, the 'sixteen-foot' golden body is a standard iconographic description of the Buddha's physical form. and is the color of pure gold. Behind his neck, he wears the light of the sun and moon. His powers of transformation are infinite, reaching everywhere without obstacle. Thus, he is able to comprehend all the myriad things of the world and bring great salvation to all living beings."