A priest lived in a temple near the Kazurakawa. He spent the months and years in difficult ascetic practices such as fasting and observing the repentance rites.

He once dreamed that a priest said, “A hijiri lives on the summit of Mt. Hira and recites the Hokekyō. Many Buddhas and various Deva Kings admire and respect him. Quickly go there and establish a relationship with him!”

The surprised priest awoke and hurried to Mt. Hira. After searching the mountain for several days, the priest finally heard the voice reciting the Hokekyō. The voice was incomparably beautiful and noble. It was neither too high nor too low but would deeply touch one’s heart. The overjoyed priest ran from the east to the west following the voice. However, he could not find the reciter but only heard the voice. He continued searching for a long time and finally reached a flat area.

There he saw a grotto covered with brush and moss. It was only two jō large, but was extraordinarily attractive. A large pine tree spread its roots over the grotto and extended its branches in the four directions screening the area in front of the cave. The wind blowing through the pine branches sounded no different than music. The rain would not wet the front yard which was sheltered by the branches which served as an umbrella. The summer heat would be lessened by the shade of the pine while the winter cold would be milder because of the thick branches.

Within the cave sat a most unusual hijiri of skin and bones wearing green moss for clothing. Seeing the priest, the hijiri said, “It is unusual that you have come here. Don’t come close to me but keep at a distance.” The priest asked the reason and the hijiri explained, “The smoke of the secular world gets into my eyes and causes me to shed tears. The smell of blood distresses my nose. Come to see me after seven days, and we will talk.”

As instructed, the priest remained at a distance of few tan from the cave. During that time, the priest listened to the hijiri’s recitation of the Hokekyō, and felt joyful and ennobled.

Many animals including deer, bears, monkeys, and birds brought fruits and nuts to the hijiri as their offerings. One of the monkeys was sent with nuts and fruits to the priest.

Seven days passed and the priest came closer to the hermit. The hermit told the priest, “I was originally a priest named Renjaku of the Kōfukuji Temple. When I read a passage of the Hokekyō which says, ‘If one does not venerate the Hokekyō, one will surely regret it later’, my mind became pious for the first time. When I read another passage of the sūtra which says, ‘If one recites the sūtra at a serene place with no one present, one will immediately become a pure and illuminated being,’ I left the temple and travelled through the mountains as I engaged in ascetic practices.

I have abandoned the mundane thoughts of being attached to and cherishing one’s own life; instead, I have accumulated virtues and become a hijiri on my own account. After travelling through mountains and valleys, I have finally come to this mountain and remained here since, probably as a result of my karmic relationship. After leaving the secular world, I have regarded the Hokekyō as my parents, the Law as my master, the teachings as my house, and the precepts as my protectors.

By the assistance of the Hokekyō, I see far into the distance, hear the voices of the sentient beings, and perceive all of the Law in my mind. Relying on the Hokekyō, I ascend to the Tosotsu Heaven, worship Miroku Buddha, and become familiar with various Buddhas and hear the Law at will. Your coming here must have a small karmic cause. Remain here and practice the Way.”

Although the priest wanted to accept the hijiri’s advice and invitation, he declined due to his inferior capacity and disposition, and left ashamed. With the help of the hijiri, the priest returned to his temple near Kazurakawa.

The priest told his experiences to his colleagues and friends and planted the seeds of Buddhism in their minds. It is said that those who listened to him were all impressed with the extraordinary story about the hijir’i and were overjoyed, shedding tears. (Page 47-48)

Miraculous Tales of the Lotus Sutra from Ancient Japan