釋氏稽古略 3.254

3.254

In the dingmao year, the first year of Dazhong (847), in the intercalary second month, an edict stated: "In the final years of Huichang, monasteries were merged and abolished. Although it is said to be a teaching of foreign lands, it assists the source of governance. The people of China have long practiced its Way. The reforms were excessive and the handling of the matter was contrary and erroneous. As for those monasteries abolished in the fifth year of Huichang in numinous mountains and sacred lands, senior monks of former times may repair, restore, and serve as abbots as of old. The relevant officials must not forbid them" (Old Book of Tang).