- Sahng-jeh-nim Grants a Blessing of Descendants
- 1 In Pee-nahn Village, at the house reserved for the Ahn family’s memorial rites, Sahng-jeh-nim was conducting a work of renewal, when a renowned scholar came to test Sahng-jeh-nim’s ability and knowledge. The scholar introduced himself with an air of arrogance.
- 2 Sahng-jeh-nim ignored him and continued the work. While observing what Sahng-jeh-nim was doing, the scholar suddenly became disoriented and overwhelmed with fear, and he fell to his hands and knees.
- 3 Crawling, he cried out, “Lord of Heaven, Lord of Heaven, please save my life.”
- 4 He had been in this piteous state for some time, when Sahng-jeh-nim gently said, “I am here. Do not be afraid.” Sahng-jeh-nim continued, “There is something you have long desired.”
- 5 “I do not have a son,” the scholar answered. “Day and night, I worry that there will be no heir to carry on my family’s lineage. Please grant me a heavenly blessing so that I can fulfill my duty to my ancestors.”
- 6 “If you are blessed with a son, will you make an offering of three thousand gold coins?”
- 7 “If I had to give my entire wealth, I would do it without regret.”
- 8 “Your desire is very strong, so I will grant you two sons.”
- 9 A disciple later asked, “The scholar agreed to give three thousand gold coins, but You did not take the money. Why is that so?”
- 10 “There will be another who will receive and use the money,” Sahng-jeh-nim said.
- 11 The scholar was blessed with two sons and was often heard saying, “I cannot forget the benevolence of the Lord of Heaven.” In the end, it was Cha Gyung-suk who received the money and used it.
- (JSD Dojeon 9,76)
