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Lian Wuti, the emperor at Nanking, had been at the end of the fifth century a general in the service of the last scion of a dying dynasty there, and a devout Taoist; in 502 he became the first of a new dynasty, the Liang; and presently, a devout Buddhist. Chinese historians love him not; Fenollosa describes him as too generous-minded and other-worldly for success.
That they roam at large in the park, yet never claw and bite one another? That they propagate their species freely, as if they were wild? His Majesty bids you reveal to me the secret." A touch of nature here: all zoologists know how difficult it is to get wild beasts to breed in captivity. Lian Yang answered: "I am only a humble servant, and have really no secret to tell.
I wish the poor creature was more cautious and attentive in the choice of some one, whose manners, air, and gait might be proper for his imitation: Atuchei panu en tois spoudaiois lian. In things of consequence he sadly fails. Where his mind does not run astray, he discovers a noble disposition."
I learn most about this poor Lian Wuti from the record of an interview held once between him and the 'Blue-eyed Brahmin' Master of Dzyan. Lian Wuti invited Bodhidharma to court, and Bodhidharma came. Said the emperor: "Since my accession I have been continually building temples, transcribing books, and admitting new monks to take the vows. How much merit may I be supposed to have accumulated?"
Besides this small stock of facts there is a sort of legend; as for example: After leaving the court of Lian, he crossed the Yangtse on a reed, a theme in sacred art for thousands ever since, and because of this miraculous crossing, is worshiped still by Yangtse boatman as their patron saint, on the 28th of February in each year.
His name was Lian yang, and his fame went abroad for having a wonderful way with the creatures in his charge. Hsuan Wang, the Chow king, heard of it; and sent orders to the Chief Keeper to get the secret from Liang, lest it should die with him. "How is it," said the Keeper, "that when you feed them, the tigers, wolves, eagles, and ospreys all are tame and tractable?
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