弘明集 5.26

5.26

The 'Hongfan' explains the origin of life, and it agrees with the Buddha. When it comes to what the Buddha expounds, [some dismiss it as] sheer fabrication, but this is merely being drowned in daily utility. Shangchen was exceedingly rebellious, yet his descendants enjoyed prosperous fortunes; Yan Hui and Ran Geng possessed virtuous conduct, yet died young without lasting fame. The teachings of the Duke of Zhou and Confucius are naturally confined within the realm. Inferring from this principle, it can surely be known. Please allow me to broaden the evidence to examine it in detail: One who receives spiritual essence and rides the harmonious [vital force] has an essence of the utmost purity; yet Yao gave birth to Danzhu, who was obstinate, vicious, unruly, and ignorant of humaneness and righteousness. The Blind Old Man fathered Shun; the father was fundamentally not of the sort that could nurture him, yet the son naturally should have inherited virtue. Matters being like this, yet they call the Buddhist principles far-fetched—how could they fail to awaken?