The Eighth Day of the Fourth Month-the Buddha-Bathing Festival.
Ever since the Buddhist Dharma had spread eastward during the reign of Emperor Ming of Han, this day had marked the grand celebration of the Buddha's birth.
On this day, Chang'an City had been swept clean. Every household hung banners and set out offerings. From Jianfu Temple to Vermilion Bird Avenue, fragrant flowers carpeted the road, and faithful devotees gathered in droves, craning their necks for the Buddha-Bone Relic that had traveled all the way from Tianzhu.
At the auspicious hour, conch horns sounded long and clear.
Sengjia, the holy monk from Tianzhu, wore plain monastic robes and a solemn expression. Holding the Bodhi Treasure Box wrapped in the Seven-Treasure Kasaya, he walked out of Xingjiao Temple, step by step. Behind him followed the solemn imperial honor guard and a procession of devout monks. Along the route, the people bowed their heads of their own accord, chanting the Buddha's name and praying for peace in the nation and prosperity for its people.
The procession wound its way into the city and finally reached the gates of Jianfu Temple without incident.
In the square before the temple, Wu Sansi, the Prince of Liang, and Li Lingyue, Princess Taiping Who Guards the Nation, had already led their attendants to the steps to receive it, as overseers of the welcoming ceremony.
Li Qianli, Prince Cheng, commanded three thousand Golden Crow Guards stationed around the grounds. His face was stern and earnest, tempered by his habitual cautiousness. Li Duozuo, the Left Feathered Forest Grand General, Li Sichong, the Right Feathered Forest General, and others assisted with security, surrounding the entire Jianfu Temple as tightly as an iron barrel.
This was both to prevent any mishap involving the Buddha Bone and to prepare for His Majesty's