唐護法沙門法琳別傳 3.26

3.26

Your Majesty's supreme virtue reaches the divine, spreading clouds and rain over the black-robed sangha; your Way borders on the ultimate sage, casting the sun and moon upon the Mysterious Gate. You have personally lowered your virtuous voice to inquire of one mediocre and base. Yet Lin, reverently receiving your inquiry, has dared to set forth old precedents; that I have defiled your awe-inspiring majesty makes me tremble with fear all the more." The Emperor examined the Dharma Master's response, marveled at it, and released him. At that time, the legal officials presented a petition, saying: "The law cannot be abolished; the state has standard punishments. Those who criticize the imperial carriage commit a crime deserving the death penalty."