佛祖統紀 51.44

51.44

唐太宗正觀元年。度天下僧尼三千人○九年詔度僧尼三千人。務取德業精明者○二十二年。奘法師謂。弘法須人度僧為要。乃詔每寺度五人。凡一萬七千人○玄宗不空三藏建灌頂壇。度人千萬數○勅每郡度真行童子三人○睿宗普度僧道三萬人○文宗勅僧尼非正度。許具名申省給牒。時入申七十萬人。

In the first year of Zhenguan under Emperor Taizong of the Tang, three thousand monks and nuns were ordained across the realm. In the ninth year, he decreed the ordination of three thousand monks and nuns, striving to select those of clear and accomplished moral practice. In the twenty-second year, Dharma Master [Xuan]zang said: 'The propagation of the Dharma requires people; ordaining monks is paramount.' Thereupon, the Emperor decreed the ordination of five monks per temple, totaling seventeen thousand people. Under Xuanzong, Tripiṭaka Master Amoghavajra established an abhiṣeka altar, ordaining tens of millions of people. The Emperor decreed that each commandery ordain three boys of genuine practice. Ruizong granted universal ordination to thirty thousand monks and Daoists. Wenzong decreed that monks and nuns without official ordination be allowed to register their names with the ministry to receive certificates; at that time, seven hundred thousand people submitted applications.