大唐西域記 4.6

4.6

數百年前，有王號摩醯邏矩羅（唐言大族），都治此城，王諸印度。有才智，性勇烈，隣境諸國，莫不臣伏。機務餘閑，欲習佛法，令於僧中推一俊德。時諸僧徒莫敢應命，少欲無為，不求聞達；博學高明，有懼威嚴。是時王家舊僮，染衣已久，辭論清雅，言談贍敏，眾共推舉，而以應命。王曰：「我敬佛法，遠訪名僧，眾推此隸，與我談論。常謂僧中，賢明肩比，以今知之，夫何敬哉？」於是宣令五印度國，繼是佛法並皆毀滅，僧徒斥逐無復孑遺。

Some centuries ago there was a king called Mo-hi-lo-kiu-lo (Mahirakula), who established his authority in this town and ruled over India. He was of quick talent, and naturally brave. He subdued all the neighbouring provinces without exception. In his intervals of leisure he desired to examine the law of Buddha, and he commanded that one among the priests of superior talent should wait on him. Now it happened that none of the priests dared to attend to his command. Those who had few desires and were content, did not care about distinction; those of superior learning and high renown despised the royal bounty (glitter). At this time there was an old servant in the king's household who had long worn the religious garments. He was of distinguished ability and able to enter on discussion, and was very eloquent. The priests put him forward in answer to the royal appeal. The king said, "I have a respect for the law of Buddha, and I invited from far any renowned priest (to come and instruct me), and now the congregation have put forward this servant to discuss with me. I always thought that amongst the priests there were men of illustrious ability; after what has happened to-day what further respect can I have for the priesthood?" He then issued an edict to destroy all the priests through the five Indies, to overthrow the law of Buddha, and leave nothing remaining.