弘明集 12.53

12.53

I object: The rulers of foreign states are not suitable as an analogy, and the aim of the rise of Buddhism is also discernable. Is it not that the six barbarian tribes were arrogant and fierce, unable to be transformed by ordinary teachings, and therefore [the Buddha] displayed vast miracles and marvels to make them submit in awe? Once they submitted in awe, only then did they follow the proper tracks. This was merely a matter of causing great fear of ghosts, spirits, and karmic retribution; how could it be revering the profound and subtle Dao? If 'where the Dao resides, it is honored,' this must diverge from your refined intention. How could merely putting on the clerical robes mean that the Dao resides within them? If it is only after the Dao resides that one is honored, then as you say, the Dao of the sages is the ultimate of all Dao, and the reverence between ruler and minister is all the more devoted to ritual. If so, then when a monk fails to show reverence, how can he be honored for possessing the Dao?