高僧傳 7.15

7.15

Shangzhi replied: "The vulgar crowd mostly does not believe in the Dharma. Due to my own mediocrity and ignorance, I alone uphold a foolish diligence, fearing that my shortcomings will bring stain upon the great teaching. Now receiving praise and encouragement instead is more than I dare accept. As for the past generations of eminent figures, they certainly have not failed your enlightened edict. The Western Jin is already far away and difficult to know fully. Since crossing the river, there have been Wang Dao, Zhou Yi, Yu Liang, Wang Meng, Xie Shang, Xi Chao, Wang Tan, Wang Gong, Wang Mi, Guo Wen, Xie Fu, Dai Kui, Xu Xun, as well as the brothers of the late Gaozu, the brothers of Wang Yuanlin, Fan Wang, Sun Chuo, Zhang Xuan, and Yin Yi: some were the foremost of prime ministers and ministers, some were models of human virtue, some placed their sentiments between heaven and humanity, and some set their sights beyond the mists and clouds. All resolved to take refuge and set their hearts on reverent faith. In comparison with them [in the saṃgha], there were Lan, Hu, Kai, Qian, Yuan, Dun, Chong, and Sui, who all walked closely in the middle way, or were men of unfathomable depth. Monks and laymen in recent times casually discuss things in this manner; but if one were to enumerate all of both foreigners and Chinese down through the Han and Wei, how could one ever finish speaking of their extraordinary talents and remarkable virtues? Master Huiyuan once said: 'The edification of the Śākya clan has nothing in which it is unviable. To accord with the Way is naturally the source of the teaching, but to aid the world is also an essential duty.' In my humble reflection, this saying accords with the profound truth. Why is this so? If every household upheld the precepts, punishments would cease throughout the state. Thus when Fotu[deng] went to Zhao, the two Shis reduced their cruelty; when the miraculous pagoda emitted light, Fu Jian diminished his tyranny. Hence, divine assistance to the teaching has a long history. Now what Xiao Mo[zhi] has submitted is not entirely wrong either. But those who harm and corrupt the clerical and lay ways are fundamentally those monks and nuns of unprincipled conduct; yet sentiments and outward appearances are difficult to distinguish, and expelling or keeping them is no easy matter. Gold, bronze, earth, and wood, though exceedingly costly and wasteful, are surely the lodge of meritorious karma, and again cannot be abruptly abolished. Lately I have been weighing this, feeling uneasy whether to proceed or withdraw; today, personally receiving your virtuous words, I am truly filled with great peace and ease."