弘明集 11.34

11.34

省疏所引。一二具之。朕以為獨善之美。不如兼濟之功。自守之節。未若拯物之大。雖子陵頡頏於光武。君平傲岸於蜀肆。周當辭祿於漢朝。杜微稱聾於諸葛。此皆偏尚耿介之士耳。何足以開默語之要領高勝之趣哉。今九有未又黔黎荼蓼。朕以寡德獨當其弊。思得群才共康至治。法師等雖潛心法門。亦毘世宣教。縱不能導物化時勉人為治。而遠美辭世之許由。近高散髮於謝敷。若九河橫流人盡為魚。法師等雖毘世宣教。亦安施乎。而道恒等伏膺法訓。為日久矣。然其才用足以成務。故欲枉奪其志。以輔暗政耳。若福報有徵。佛不虛言。拯世急病之功。濟時寧治之勳。恐福在此而不在彼。可相誨喻時副所望。

I have examined what was cited in your memorial, and it is fully set forth in every detail. Our view is that the excellence of solitary virtue does not equal the achievement of universal succour; the integrity of keeping to oneself does not match the greatness of saving living beings. Although Ziling soared proudly before Guangwu, and Junping stood aloof in his Shu market stall, Zhou Dang resigned his emolument in the Han court, and Du Wei feigned deafness before Zhuge [Liang], these were merely men who were partial to unbending aloofness. How could they be sufficient to disclose the vital balance of silence and speech, or the purport of the exalted and superior? Now the nine regions are not yet pacified, and the black-haired people are amid bitter herbs. We, with our scant virtue, shoulder their afflictions alone, longing to obtain men of manifold talent to bring about supreme governance together. Although the Dharma masters immerse their minds in the Dharma gate, they also assist the world and propagate teachings. Even if they cannot guide beings and transform the times or encourage the people to good rule, yet far off they extol Xu You who renounced the world, and near at hand they prize Xie Fu who let down his hair. If the nine rivers overflowed and all men were turned into fish, then although the Dharma masters might assist the world and propagate teachings, where would they apply them? Daoheng and the others have devotedly cherished the Dharma's instructions for a long time; yet their talents and capabilities are sufficient to accomplish worldly affairs. Therefore We wished to divert their intent so as to assist Our benighted governance. If the retribution of merit has its verification, and the Buddha does not speak in vain, then regarding the merit of saving the world's urgent distress and the achievement of bringing peace and order to the times, We fear the blessing lies in this and not in that. You may instruct and explain this to them, in due time fulfilling Our hopes.