四明尊者教行錄 6.43

6.43

Mingzhou, in accordance with the directive of the Ministry of Rites of the Department of State Affairs at the Provisional Capital, which complied with the endorsement and forwarding from the Department of State Affairs concerning the petition of Mo [Jiang], Academician of the Fuwen Pavilion, Left Gentleman of Court Consultation, Prefect of Mingzhou Military Prefecture, and Supervisor of Academic Affairs: It is observed that the Yanqing Monastery in this prefecture is dedicated to transmitting the Tiantai Dharma. In the second year of the Zhidao era, it was newly established as a monastery of the ten directions; the monastery buildings were magnificent and vast, students rushed to gather there, and the transmission and expounding have continued without interruption. Emperor Zhenzong once dispatched an envoy to the monastery, ordering the monk [Zhili] to cultivate and perform repentance rituals. Zhao [Bian], Junior Protector of the Heir Apparent, composed a record of [Zhili's] deeds and conduct, fully recording this matter. After recently passing through the fires of warfare, this monastery fortunately survived. Over recent years, however, it has been entirely requisitioned and occupied by incumbent and resident officials as living quarters, who took it as their personal property to trade among themselves, refusing to allow monks to dwell there; the Buddha statues were damaged, and impurities disturbed the site, preventing it from serving as a field of merit. Furthermore, the Guanghui Cloister and Bao'en Monastery in this prefecture were formerly Chan forests situated below the prefectural city walls; they were the only two Chan sanctuaries dedicated to burning incense, practicing, and praying for the Emperor. The bodhimaṇḍas for inaugurating and concluding prayers for imperial birthdays have always been held at Guanghui Cloister. Since being burned down by warfare, although several small rooms were obtained later, they were also requisitioned and occupied, so that monks dared not rebuild. Since taking office, [Mo] Jiang planned the buildings, fully evicted all the resident households from the two monasteries, and charged the monasteries with repairing the halls. Mobilizing labor and gathering materials, relying on the collective effort, it has gradually been accomplished. The monks daily revitalize Chan and the doctrinal teachings, reverently assisting the imperial realm and praying for the Emperor's longevity. Except for Bao'en Monastery, which already has an imperial decree directing that requisition and occupation are not permitted, as for Yanqing Monastery and Guanghui Cloister, I humbly look up to your compassionate regard to specially memorialize and issue a specific directive strictly forbidding all persons to designate, occupy, and reside there, so that ancient sites and famous sanctuaries will not fall into ruin, remaining forever fields of merit. Respectfully submitted to the Department of State Affairs. Humbly awaiting the compassionate directive. Endorsement on the reverse: On the twenty-fourth day of the third month, forwarded to the Ministry of Rites to instruct this prefecture to arrange and implement on its own. The authorities of Mingzhou shall strictly follow the endorsed petition of the Department of State Affairs to direct and implement, and must execute it accordingly. The above official document is issued and delivered to Yanqing Monastery to be kept and held forever for reference. Issued on the [blank] day of the fourth month in the fourteenth year of the Shaoxing era (1144 CE).