高僧傳 6.73

6.73

At that time, Daoheng had a fellow student named Daobiao, who was likewise remarkably gifted, enjoyed a renown second only to Daoheng's, and matched him in stature. The Qin ruler Yao Xing, considering Daoheng and Daobiao to possess clear, outstanding temperaments and the capacity to govern the state, commanded Yao Xian, President of the Department of State Affairs under his illegitimate regime, to press Daoheng and Daobiao to renounce the monastic path in order to assist in invigorating royal endeavors. He also issued an edict to Daoheng, Daobiao, and others, stating: 'The pure integrity of you gentlemen is indeed worthy of praise; yet in ruling over all within the four seas, governance urgently requires talent. I have now instructed Xian, President of the Department of State Affairs, to strip you gentlemen of your Dharma robes so that you may aid and support the contemporary age. As long as your minds hold the flavour of the Dao, what does it matter whether your garments be white or black? I hope you will appreciate this intention and not decline on the pretext of keeping your monastic vows.'