釋鑑稽古略續集 1.88

1.88

宋太后削髮為尼。誦經修道。帝深加敬仰四事供養。宋主以王位來歸學佛修行。帝大悅。命削髮為僧。討究大乘明即佛理。宋室宮人皆祝髮為尼。帝曰。三寶中人也。命歸學佛修行。供送衣糧。

The Song Empress Dowager shaved her head to become a nun, reciting scriptures and cultivating the Way; the Emperor deeply revered her and provided the four necessities. When the Song ruler surrendered his throne and submitted, wishing to learn Buddhism and practice cultivation, the Emperor was greatly pleased, ordering him to shave his head and become a monk to investigate the Mahāyāna and illuminate the principle of mind-as-Buddha. When the palace women of the Song house all took the tonsure to become nuns, the Emperor said: "They are people of the Three Jewels." He ordered them to return to learning Buddhism and practicing cultivation, and provided them with clothing and rations.