弘明集 12.110

12.110

Memorial of Shi Daosheng of Tianbao Monastery: In ancient times, Zhongni (Confucius) nurtured three thousand disciples: those who studied celestial signs wore round caps, and those who studied geography wore square shoes. Zhuang Zhou of Chu visited Duke Ai and said: 'I have heard that in this state there are many who understand celestial signs and geography; please test them.' Duke Ai then proclaimed an order within the state that those who understood celestial signs should wear round caps, and those who understood geography should wear square shoes and come to the gate. Only Kong Qiu (Confucius) alone came to the gate, and there was nothing he could not answer. Thus it was known that all the rest had merely stolen the garments. When Śākya arose in the world, he expounded the Four Truths and the Six Perfections, and instituted the various precepts and dignified deportment. Śāriputra and the others all attained the status of arhat. Thus we know that the Great Dharma is not without a fundamental principle. But since then, human faculties have grown progressively duller, and people have drifted ever farther from the Dao. Habitual delusions entangle their minds. If they can isolate these worldly thoughts, they conform to the vinaya regulations; if not, they are all merely stealing the garments. We prostrately hope that Your Majesty, in your sagely wisdom, will deeply pardon the fact that this principle is not easily achieved, and that ordinary mortals are seeking the Dao of the sages. In the past, Zichan of Zheng stated: 'Even a great worthy cannot avoid making errors,' and he was ridiculed by Shentu Jia. How much less can the bhikṣus of the final age of the Dharma avoid making errors? If they cannot avoid errors, bad intentions will inevitably arise. How could the three officers of a monastery bear such a responsibility? The state has statutory punishments; we pray that an edict be issued to the local authorities to penalize and execute according to the crime, so that happily the sagely hearing will not be disturbed. Although Daosheng is old and ill, from afar I long for the [ancient practice of the] remonstrance board, and dare to present this for your hearing. Bending over the paper, my sweat flows. Respectfully presented.