弘明集 1.61

1.61

正曰。夫教有深淺。適時應物。悉已備於首論矣。請復申之。夫恭儉之心莫過堯舜。而山龍華虫𦓞[耑*(犮-乂+又)]絺繡。故傳曰。錫鸞和鈴昭其聲也。三辰旂旗昭其明也。五色比象昭其文也。故王者之居。必金門玉陛靈臺鳳闕。將使異乎凡庶令貴賤有章也。夫人情從所覩而興感。故聞鼓鼙之音。覩羽麾之象。則思將帥之臣。聽琴瑟之聲。觀庠序之儀。則思朝廷之臣。遷地易觀則情貌俱變。今悠悠之徒。見形而不及道者。莫不貴崇高而忽仄陋。是以諸奉佛者。仰慕遺跡思存髣髴。故銘列圖象致其虔肅。割珍玩以增崇靈廟。故上士遊之。則忘其蹄筌取諸遠味。下士遊之。則美其華藻玩其炳蔚。先悅其耳目漸率以義方。三塗汲引莫有遺逸。猶器之取水。隨量多少唯穿底無當乃不受耳。

The correction says: Teachings have depth and shallowness, adapting to the times and responding to beings; this was already fully addressed in the opening treatise. Please allow me to elaborate on it again. In respectfulness and frugality of mind, none surpassed Yao and Shun, yet they had mountain dragons, variegated insects, fine hemp, and embroidery. Therefore the commentary says: ‘The bells of carriage and harness make known their sound; the banners of the three luminaries make known their brilliance; the comparative imagery of the five colors makes known their pattern.’ Therefore the dwellings of kings must have golden gates, jade stairs, the Spirit Terrace, and phoenix towers, in order to make them distinct from commoners and cause the noble and base to have order. Human feelings are stirred according to what is observed. Thus hearing the sound of drums and gazing at the image of feathered banners makes one think of generals and commanders; listening to the notes of zithers and observing the decorum of schools makes one think of court ministers. When the place and sights change, sentiments and appearance change together. Now the drift of ordinary people, who see forms but do not reach the Dao, all venerate what is exalted and disdain what is narrow and lowly. For this reason, those who venerate the Buddha gaze up in longing at his traces and cherish his likeness; hence they inscribe and arrange images to render their reverent solemnity, and part with precious treasures to exalt the sacred temples. Thus when superior persons visit them, they forget the fish trap and snare to grasp the far-reaching meaning; when inferior persons visit them, they admire the ornate splendor and enjoy the glittering radiance. Their ears and eyes are first pleased, and gradually they are guided with proper principles. Among those led out of the three paths of suffering, none are left behind. It is like vessels drawing water: each receives according to its capacity, and only those with a pierced bottom or no base will receive nothing.