佛祖統紀 45.50

45.50

述曰。古者出家之士。自漢明以來。並從國恩而為得度。如隋文一歲至五十萬。唐太宗感奘三藏弘法須人之言。即度僧至萬七千人。睿宗度三萬人。本朝太宗普度十七萬人至二十四萬人。此特恩蒙度之大略也。唐中宗始詔天下試經度僧。是猶漢家以科舉取士。最可尚也。我太宗真宗仁宗。並舉試經之科。於茲為盛。未聞貨取於山林高尚之士也。自唐肅宗用宰相裴冕之請。以時方用兵始鬻度牒。猶漢世納粟助邊以得爵也。從恩猶可擇人。試經是為得才。至於納訾為僧。則富者可以逞欲（漢書訾眥同）長污雜虧精進。法門之不幸也。公輔以時艱。始勸上裁恩賜以就買賣。利源一開。逮今不可復塞。律言。餘方有清淨。雖非我制不得不行。蓋此義也。

The commentary says: In ancient times, those who left household life, ever since Emperor Ming of the Han, all obtained ordination through state favor. For instance, under Emperor Wen of the Sui, it reached 500,000 in a single year. Emperor Taizong of the Tang, moved by the Tripiṭaka Master Xuanzang's words that propagating the Dharma requires men, immediately ordained up to 17,000 monks; Ruizong ordained 30,000. Taizong of our dynasty carried out universal ordinations of 170,000 to 240,000 people. This is the general outline of receiving ordination through special imperial favor. Emperor Zhongzong of the Tang first decreed that monks be ordained through examination on the scriptures throughout the realm, which was like the Han house selecting gentlemen through civil service examinations; it is most worthy of esteem. Our Taizong, Zhenzong, and Renzong all held the examinations on scriptures; at this point, it was at its height. We had never heard of taking money from lofty gentlemen of the mountains and forests. From the time Emperor Suzong of the Tang adopted Grand Councilor Pei Mian's request to begin selling ordination certificates because warfare was underway at that time, it was like the Han era paying grain to assist the frontier to obtain noble ranks. Following state favor, one can still select people; examining scriptures means obtaining talent. As for paying money to become a monk, the wealthy can indulge their desires, increasing defilement and compromising diligent progress; this is a misfortune for the Dharma gate. Gongfu, on account of difficult times, first advised the sovereign to cut imperial bestowals and resort to buying and selling. Once the source of profit was opened, down to this day it could no longer be blocked. The Vinaya says: 'If other lands possess purity, even if it is not my regulation, it must be carried out.' Such is the meaning of this.