弘明集 12.20

12.20

I reply: My previous essay had already covered this; it is only that the Venerable One's intent was strong and his vigor fierce, so that he did not examine it. Precepts are meant to prevent wrongdoing; if there is no wrongdoing, what need is there for precepts? Therefore, for foolish and confused people, the precepts adapt to customs and modify the vinaya. The Central Land originally did not squat with one leg raised; thus the vinaya concerning gathering the bones and crossing the shins can properly be omitted. In the precept about eating by hand, there is no text about using spoons and chopsticks; why do you place weight on the squatting posture while making light of eating by hand? The vinaya forbids approaching women by hand, yet soon after permits rescuing a drowning relative; this was due to the doubts of ordinary people, which indeed sufficed to alter the sage's vinaya. It is all the more evident that the two hundred and fifty precepts are not natural, immutable rules. If so, stubbornly upholding them does not count as complete attainment, and relying on one's own mind is not something to be heavily blamed. The missing text of 'Xia fifth month' was stubbornly kept without doubt; once what is clearly and prudently seen is understood, how could one act simply out of regard for the multitude? The meaning of raising one leg lies in readiness to advance; if one desires haste, affairs cannot proceed, but if one sits properly, one cannot remain at ease. Sometimes there are arrogant men, so it is not permitted by ritual and law to have two systems in one hall. The Venerable One's conformity is seamlessly unified, while this disciple's harmony is clearly singular. How would I dare confront your battle array of fifty men? Therefore, out of fear of the adversary, I fell silent, hoping for rescue from the highest good.