佛祖歷代通載 7.115

7.115

The treatise remarks: In the reign of Emperor Taizong of the Tang, after the Book of Jin was compiled, someone advised compiling histories of the seven Southern and Northern dynasties. Because the History of the Northern Wei (Wei shu) was exceedingly detailed, Taizong specifically refused permission. Examining it today, this is indeed true. In general, the Buddhist and Daoist scriptures and teachings are considered external studies for Confucian scholars. If some wish to master both, unless their past conditioning has matured and they have returned through the power of vows, none can even glimpse their semblance, let alone comprehend their ultimate purpose and transmit their origins and streams!
How extraordinary was the "Treatise on Buddhism and Daoism" in the Wei shu! Without donning armor to race between Sima Qian and Ban Gu, and steering fluttering banners to assault the ramparts of Xun Kuang and Yang Xiong, its pacing was graceful and dignified, truly worth beholding. Thus Wei Shou mastered the learning of the Three Sages, which is difficult to combine, and calmed the restless minds of the four great authors. That his book alone is trusted by later generations—is it not magnificent?