弘明集 12.80

12.80

Your letter in reply was very well written, exceptionally elegant; yet on the points where doubt should have been resolved, it falls far short. If we keep challenging each other, I see no end in sight. Now I shall once again summarize the essential points to clarify the principle of the 'Three to be Served', so as to weigh the comparative significance; then the rationale for paying or withholding respect can be known. I imagine that the achievement of examining the subtle must lie in rigorous analysis. On the eighth day, and again today, I wrote to the Vice Director of the Right, directly ordering him to put into effect the way of rendering respect and honoring the sovereign, so that everyone under Heaven pays respect; even the Buddhist Dao cannot surpass this honor—is this not completely good? Although the measure has already been implemented, it does not impede the thorough investigation of our debate. I expect that others will perhaps analyze it with even greater precision. You may show this to Zhongwen.