佛祖統紀 43.37

43.37

In the first year of the Taiping Xingguo era, an edict ordered an empire-wide tonsure of novices, totaling one hundred and seventy thousand people (*Compendium of Administrative Law of the Dynastic Court*). \n The *Account of the True Lord* transmits nine methods for constructing altars. The upper three altars are for the state. The upper one is called the Altar for Accompanying Heaven and Flourishing the State, with 3,600 astral seats, serving as the Great Offering for the Whole Heaven. The middle one is called the Altar for Prolonging the Dynasty's Blessings and Protecting Life, with 2,400 astral seats, serving as the Great Offering for the Circulating Heaven. The lower one is called the Altar for Praying for Grains and Blessing the Seasons, with 1,200 astral seats, serving as the Great Offering for the Net of Heaven. The middle three altars are for ministers and officials. The upper one is called the Yellow Register Altar for Prolonging Life, with 640 astral seats. The middle one is called the Yellow Register Altar for Attaining Felicity, with 490 astral seats. The lower one is called the Yellow Register Altar for Expelling Evil, with 360 astral seats. The lower three altars are for scholars and commoners. The upper one is called the Altar for Continuing Life, with 240 astral seats. The middle one is called the Altar for Gathering Blessings, with 120 astral seats. The lower one is called the Altar for Averting Calamities, with eighty-one astral seats. Banners, pennants, mirrors, swords, bows, arrows, and ritual implements are all arrayed according to protocol, each with differing grades and heights, and so forth. The True Lord said, 'The myriad spirits of all the heavens, assemblies of immortals, and Brahmā-buddhas all pay court to the Sovereign on High in the Hall of Penetrating Brightness.' He also said, 'Buddhas reside within the Three Purities; there is a distinct Brahmā Heaven where they dwell. Toward the Sovereign on High, they are like the Nine Ministers serving the Son of Heaven.'