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Records of the Pure Land
Bhikshuni Ching Chen
From the #182 July 1985 issue of Vajra Bodhi Sea
Translated by Bhikshuni Heng Wen, Ph.D.
Transcribed by Bhikshuni Heng Bin
During the T’ang Dynasty there was a Bhikshuni by the name of Ching Chen, Pure and True. During her life she strictly upheld ascetic practices and everyday begged for her food. She also would only wear old clothing. Throughout her life she cultivated patience and never got angry. She recited the Vajra Sutra 100,000 times and during other times concentrated on holding the Buddha’s name. One year she came down with an illness and told her disciples, “For the past five months I have seen Amitabha Buddha ten times, and twice I saw the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. There, in a jeweled lotus flower, I saw some children playing, and I know I will receive birth in an upper grade of lotus flower.” Soon after she had spoken these words, she sat in full lotus posture and died. After she died, the entire temple was bathed in a pure light.