Rebirth of Zhang Quan of the Liu Song Dynasty

Zhang Quan, courtesy name Xiushi, was a clansman of Zhang Ye. He was known for his noble character and relaxed, peaceful nature. Zhang Quan was deeply fond of classical texts and devoted himself to learning about the Path. Even when working in the fields, he would always carry sutras with him, never letting them out of his sight.

Later, the court appointed him as “Gentleman Cavalier Attendant,” summoning him to serve, but he declined the position. Afterwards, Yu Yue recommended him as the county magistrate of Xunyang (modern-day Jiujiang, Jiangxi), but he refused again. Not long after, Zhang Quan travelled to Mount Lu, where he became a follower of Master Huiyuan, and began diving deeply into Buddhist sutras, eventually gaining profound insight and understanding.

In the first year of the Jingping era (423 CE) during the reign of Emperor Shao of Liu Song, Zhang Quan chanted Amitabha Buddha’s name facing west, and attained rebirth. He was sixty-five years old at the time and perfectly healthy. (Donglin Chronicles)

- Excerpt from ‘Records of the Pure Land Sages’