佛祖統紀 46.36

46.36

The author remarks: In ancient debates regarding circumambulation to the right (the character for *rao* [遶] means to encircle, whereas *rao* [繞] means to entangle and is incorrect), as in the formulations of [Fazhi of] Caoxi, there are two positions: circumambulation relative to the Buddha's right, and circumambulation relative to one's own right. That exhausts it. However, Caoxi mistakenly adhered to one's own right, claiming that baring the right shoulder (for convenience in manual work), lying on the right side (the auspicious posture; according to the *Mahāparinirvāṇa-sūtra*, the head faces north, feet south, facing west with the back to the east), turning to the right to express goodness (the commentary on the *Fahua wenju* states: 'Turning left is crooked and represents evil; turning right is upright and represents good. Turning left is like *kao* [考]; turning right is like *lao* [老]'), and the holy hair spiraling to the right (ordinary people's curls turn to the left, while only the Buddha's curls turn to the right)—that all of these signify one's own right. Consequently, concerning the right circumambulation of the golden coffin in the *Mahāparinirvāṇa-sūtra* from east to south, he claimed it was the translator's error, failing to realize that he himself was mistaken. For circumambulation relative to one's own right is for one's own utility, whereas circumambulation relative to the Buddha's right is for encircling the Buddha. The principle established here is encircling the Buddha out of adoration and longing; what does it have to do with one's personal convenience? When the Great Sūtra describes circumambulating Kuśi[nagara] to the right, it is precisely this meaning. Today, when people circumambulate to the right, most do so relative to the Buddha's right, and this matter is already settled; yet fearing that people might still be misled by Caoxi's words, I could not but clarify it. Tripiṭaka Master Jin Zongchi's path from north to east is precisely relative to the Buddha's right. As for Nanshan's turning east and pivoting north, that is of course the meaning for reciting the precepts and assembling the congregation, which is relative to one's own right. Do not be confused! In Yazhou, Huihong grasped the intention and conducted himself with ease.