釋鑑稽古略續集 1.52

1.52

By imperial decree, spurious scriptures of the Daoist Canon were burned at the Great Minzhong Monastery in the Great Capital. Elder Linquan of Bao'en Chan Monastery in the Great Capital was ordered to apply the fire. Having expressed his gratitude for the imperial favour, he took incense and said: 'The Son of Heaven with a Buddha's heart takes pity on sentient beings, fearing they might fall into the pit of false views of the three wretched realms. In this matter there is no partiality whatsoever; within it, vermilion and purple must be clearly distinguished. Thus it is said that the sage's scrutiny is impartial and the celestial mechanism cannot be fathomed. Having come to praise his virtue, how dare I not repay the kindness? This incense is respectfully offered to pray for the longevity of the reigning Emperor.' He continued: 'I humbly pray that the Golden Wheel and the Dharma Wheel turn together, his blessings surpassing three asaṃkhyeya kalpas; that the sun of Shun and the sun of the Buddha shine with equal brightness, his lifespan extending for a hundred million kalpas.' Next, raising the fire, he said: 'Recalling that year in the time of Emperor Ming, he once relied on rows of flames to distinguish beauty from ugliness. The Son of Heaven of the Great Yuan continues the Great Plan; who does not know that he manifests the orthodox and destroys the heterodox?' (The text is lengthy and not given in full). Thereupon, drawing a circle with the torch, he said: 'O virtuous ones, can the wondrous texts of the Three Caverns also realize this fire-light samādhi? If you understand here: "With the Beidou jing at home, in vain does it cause people to have no peace." If not yet so: "From now on, after they are reduced to flying ashes and vanishing smoke, let them go anywhere to search for the Heavenly Worthy!" Look quickly!' Elder Linquan Congmai applied the fire by imperial decree. (Found in Fozu tongzai.) There were seventeen masters of virtue who debated the Daoists: