弘明集 1.47

1.47

The questioner asked: You, Sir, mock divine immortals and reject anomalies, not believing that there is a path to immortality—this is correct. Why, then, do you uniquely believe that the Buddha's Dao can attain transcendence from the world? The Buddha is in a foreign land; your feet have never trodden upon his soil, your eyes have not seen his place; you merely observe his texts and believe in his conduct. Now, one who observes flowers cannot know the fruit; one who looks at shadows cannot examine physical forms. Might this not lack authenticity? Mouzi said: Confucius said: 'Look at what a man does, observe his motives, examine that wherein he rests content. How can a man conceal what he is?' In ancient times, when Lü Wang and the Duke of Zhou were questioned about the execution of government, each knew how the other's lineage would end. When Yan Yuan was riding a four-horse chariot, he saw Dongye Bi's driving and knew that he would fail. Zigong observed the meeting between Zhu and Lu and clearly foresaw why it would bring ruin. Zhongni heard Master Kuang's strings and recognized King Wen's melody. Jizi listened to music and surveyed the airs of the various states. Why must one's feet tread upon the soil, or one's eyes see the place?