佛祖統紀 43.47

43.47

述曰。自古人君重沙門之德者。必尊其位異其稱。曰僧錄僧統法師國師。入對不稱臣。登殿賜高座。如是為得其宜。至若封官加爵稱卿稱公。混濫朝端輕招物論。上失尊僧之禮。下貽失節之譏。釋氏清風幾於不競彼徵君處士不事王侯者。吾輩寧無愧乎。若不空開府於唐朝息災光祿於吾宋。皆由翻譯功高特承天澤。蓋將答主上重法之心。非所以為榮也。

The author remarks: Since antiquity, when rulers revered the virtue of śramaṇas, they invariably dignified their positions and distinguished their titles, calling them Monastic Registrars, Monastic Directors, Dharma Masters, or National Preceptors. When entering for an audience they did not refer to themselves as ministers, and when ascending the hall they were granted elevated seats. In this manner propriety was maintained. But as for conferring official ranks, adding noble titles, and styling them ministers or dukes, this mixes them inappropriately into the court hierarchy and easily invites public criticism. Above, it forfeits the decorum of honoring monastics; below, it leaves them open to the reproach of abandoning integrity. The pure style of the Śākya clan thus almost fails to contend [with the world]. Even those summoned scholars and recluses who refuse to serve princes and lords—how can our fellowship feel no shame before them? If Amoghavajra opened an office during the Tang dynasty, and Tianxizai was made Minister of Imperial Entertainments in our Song, it was entirely because their translation merits were great and they specifically received imperial grace. This was merely meant to repay the ruler's reverence for the Dharma, not something to be taken as personal glory.