佛祖歷代通載 7.56

7.56

(14) Dharma Master Daoheng served his stepmother dutifully in his youth and was famed for his filial piety. When his mother passed away, he became a śramaṇa and traveled to follow Master [Kumāra]jīva. [Kumāra]jīva cherished his talents, and he was equally renowned with Daobiao. The ruler of Qin had long heard of the two men's administrative statecraft and capabilities, and ordered Minister Yao Xian to proclaim an imperial decree urging them to renounce the monastic way and assist the government. [Dao]heng and [Dao]biao submitted a memorial presenting their feelings, roughly stating: 'Emperor Guangwu of the Han fulfilled Yan Ling's integrity, and Emperor Wen of the Wei preserved Guan Ning's loftiness. Your Majesty is endowed with celestial sagacity and in your deliberations always seek to rival Yao and Shun; yet now you wish to cap and robe two men of the Dao, thereby falling behind Guangwu and Emperor Wen of the Wei.' The ruler again ordered [Kumāra]jīva, [Dao]qie, and others to urge and instruct them, determined to fulfill his wish. [Kumāra]jīva, [Dao]qie, and the others submitted a memorial stating the circumstances, roughly saying: 'Only a sage can comprehend the aspirations of all under heaven. [Dao]heng and [Dao]biao have already shaved off their hair and beard and donned improper robes; to now make them sit in a court of hairpin-and-sash officials would go against their aspirations. Furthermore, as the Great Qin rises like a dragon, exceptional talents emerge in great numbers; men like [Dao]heng and [Dao]biao are not extraordinary.' The ruler sent down another decree, whereupon the entire monastic assembly earnestly pleaded, and the matter was finally dropped. [Dao]heng sighed: 'Desire for fame and advancement is an impediment to the true Dao.' He then departed with [Dao]biao into Mount Langya, never emerging for the rest of his life.