弘明集 4.30

4.30

Explanation: Previously, observing your original treatise from the nine grains down to Confucius angling but not using a net, I first came to know that your lofty opinion holds that all ruling and making stemmed from the sages, who personally acted as master craftsmen to lead the common people below. In my solitary, humble, and clumsy view, I personally consider that whenever something is undertaken, every movement must have a cause, and the sages accordingly set regulations for it so that they would not exceed bounds. The great divergence between these two views is where you and I differ. I wished to regulate their luxurious trends; hence there was the talk of halting excess. You are now explaining comprehensive preparations; I do not know where you remove excess to hit the mark. Your reply also says: 'As for what is called excess, the sages have already removed it.' Not understanding this meaning, I recently questioned you again about what is excessive. The reply said: 'It is not clear who is being challenged,' perhaps forgetting your own previous response.