緇門警訓 1.55

1.55

The Biographies of Eminent Monks states: "Unless one is widely read, one's words have nothing to rely upon." One ought to understand the rise and fall of ancient and modern times, and one must know the terms and meanings in Chinese and Sanskrit. One should roam through the ocean of teachings of the Tripiṭaka and enjoy the forest of expressions in the Six Classics. Then one's words will not be wild talk, but statements substantiated by canonical authorities. Thus Xi Zuochi praised Master Dao'an, saying: "His intellect is clear and concise, and he is broadly conversant with many subjects. He has surveyed nearly all texts, internal and external alike, and is thoroughly proficient in yin-yang and mathematics. The subtle principles of the Buddhist scriptures are truly matters in which he moves with effortless ease." When Emperor Zhenzong summoned Reader-in-Waiting Li to drink, Li Zhongrong arose and firmly declined, saying: "I beg the Imperial Court to clear away your subject's vessel." The Emperor asked why he referred to the Son of Heaven as 'the Imperial Court' (guanjia). He replied: "Your servant once recalled Jiang Ji's Treatise on the Multitude of Affairs saying: 'The Three Sovereigns treated the world as public (guan); the Five Thearchs treated the world as their household (jia).' Combining the virtues of the Three and the Five, he is called 'guanjia'." The Emperor rejoiced and said: "This is truly what is called an encounter between ruler and minister once in a thousand years!" This resulted from his scholarship providing shelter for his person and his extensive knowledge of past sayings; he had nothing to burden him.