弘明集 11.23

11.23

卿等樂道體閑服膺法門。皦然之操義誠在可嘉。但朕臨四海治必須才。方欲招肥遁於山林。搜沈滯於屠肆。況卿等周旋篤。舊朕所知。盡各挹幹時之能而潛獨善之地。此豈朕求賢之至情。卿等兼弘深趣耶。昔人有言。國有驥而不乘。方惶惶而更索。是之謂也。今勅尚書令顯便奪卿等二乘之福心由卿清名之容室贊時益世。豈不大哉。苟心存道味。寧係白黑。望體此懷。不可以守節為辭。

You gentlemen delight in the Dao, are at ease in body, and have devoted yourselves to the Dharma gate. Your pristine conduct is indeed commendable in principle. However, as I oversee the four seas, governance requires talent. I am currently seeking to summon the hermits from the mountain forests and search for those who are submerged in the butcheries and markets. How much more so for you gentlemen, whose longtime association and close familiarity are well known to me! You both possess abilities capable of managing the times, yet you conceal yourselves in a place of solitary self-cultivation. How could this be my earnest intention in seeking the worthy, or your profound aspiration for universal propagation? An ancient once said: 'If the state has thoroughbred horses but does not ride them, yet anxiously searches for others, this is what is meant.' Now I have ordered Xian, the Prefect of the Masters of Writing, to strip you of the blessings of the Two Vehicles, so that through your reputable character and capacity, you may assist the times and benefit the world; how could that not be grand! If your minds truly retain the flavor of the Dao, why must it depend on white or black robes? I hope you will understand this wish and not use the preservation of integrity as an excuse.