Miao Chuang summoned the messengers and inquired the result of their efforts.  “She is more unapproachable than ever,” they replied; “she has even ordered us to ask the Queen to obtain your Majesty’s permission to retire to the Nunnery of the White Bird in Lung-shu Hsien.”

The King gave his permission, but sent strict orders to the nunnery, instructing the nuns to do all in their power to dissuade the Princess when she arrived from carrying out her intention to remain.

Her Reception at the Nunnery

This Nunnery of the White Bird had been built by Huang Ti, and the five hundred nuns who lived in it had as Superior a lady named I Yu, who was remarkable for her virtue.  On receipt of the royal mandate, she had summoned Cheng Cheng-ch’ang, the choir-mistress, and informed her that Princess Miao Shan, owing to a disagreement with her father, would shortly arrive at the temple.  She requested her to receive the visitor courteously, but at the same time to do all she could to dissuade her from adopting the life of a nun.  Having given these instructions, the Superior, accompanied by two novices, went to meet Miao Shan at the gate of the temple.  On her arrival they saluted her.  The Princess returned the salute, but said:  “I have just left the world in order to place myself under your orders:  why do you come and salute me on my arrival?  I beg you to be so good as to take me into the temple, in order that I may pay my respects to the Buddha.”  I Yu led her into the principal hall, and instructed the nuns to light incense-sticks, ring the bells, and beat the drums.  The visit to the temple finished, she went into the preaching-hall, where she greeted her instructresses.  The latter obeyed the King’s command and endeavoured to persuade the Princess to return to her home, but, as none of their arguments had any effect, it was at length decided to give her a trial, and to put her in charge of the kitchen, where she could prepare the food for the nunnery, and generally be at the service of all.  If she did not give satisfaction they could dismiss her.

She makes Offering to the Buddha

Miao Shan joyfully agreed, and proceeded to make her humble submission to the Buddha.  She knelt before Ju Lai, and made offering to him, praying as follows:  “Great Buddha, full of goodness and mercy, your humble servant wishes to leave the world.  Grant that I may never yield to the temptations which will be sent to try my faith.”  Miao Shan further promised to observe all the regulations of the nunnery and to obey the superiors.

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