Rebirth of Ma Ziyun of the Tang Dynasty

Ma Ziyun, his hometown is unknown. He passed the imperial examination and served as a sheriff in Jing County. Once, the government appointed him to supervise the transport of land taxes and levies to the capital, but the boat he was on capsized midway, sinking ten thousand hu of rice into the river. As a result, he was imprisoned. While in prison, Ma Ziyun dedicated himself to reciting Amitabha Buddha's name, continuing this for five years until he was released under a special amnesty. Later, he retired to a monastery on Mount Nanling, where he observed the practice of eating one meal a day. In the tenth year of the Tianbao era of Emperor Xuanzong (751 CE), he passed away in Jing County. Before his passing, he told others, "Due to my turbulent fate, I have been able to dedicate myself to strictly upholding the Dharma. Now, my work related to the Western Pure Land is complete, and I will soon be reborn in the Land of Ultimate Bliss!" The next day, he bathed, put on new clothes, sat upright with his palms joined in respect, and soon afterwards, an extraordinary fragrance filled the room. Ma Ziyun said, "Amitabha Buddha has arrived!" and peacefully attained rebirth. (Ji Wen/Record of Accounts)

- Excerpt from ‘Records of the Pure Land Sages’