釋氏稽古略 3.43

3.43

The Sūtra of the Buddha's Bequeathed Teaching: In the eighteenth year of the Zhenguan era, the Emperor decreed: "When the Tathāgata entered extinction, seeing the frivolity and decadence of the latter ages, he entrusted kings and ministers to protect and maintain the Buddha-Dharma. However, when monks and nuns leave home, their moral discipline and conduct must be fully prepared. If they give rein to desires and laxity, they encounter afflictions at every turn; getting involved in worldly affairs, their actions run counter to the sūtras and vinaya. This not only loses the profound and wondrous intent of the Tathāgata, but also falls short of the sovereign's duty of receiving the entrustment. The Sūtra of the Buddha's Bequeathed Teaching was preached by the Buddha at his parinirvāṇa; its admonitions to his disciples are extremely detailed and essential. The monks and laity of these degenerate times do not revere it at all; the Great Way is about to be obscured, and the subtle words are on the verge of vanishing. Ever cherishing the holy teaching, we ponder its propagation. Let the relevant authorities appoint ten copyists to extensively transcribe copies of this sūtra and ensure their complete implementation. Give one copy each to officials in the capital of the fifth rank and above, and to the regional inspectors of the various prefectures. If they observe the deeds and conduct of monks and nuns to be at variance with the text of the sūtra, they should publicly and privately encourage and urge them, ensuring they strictly comply with it" (Seen in the Old Tang History and the Literary Garden of Words).