弘明集 6.36

6.36

Zhou [Yong] of Shanzi returns a letter to Shaoxi, saying: Zhou Yong bows his head. Your esteemed composition has arrived. I have received it and see that you have raised your family's standards high; Shenzi would not sit arrogantly, and truly there is no need to urge respect. Exploring the root, there is an insight into the loftiness of mind; though spiritual ways are what people return to, I know their master. However, outside of Śākya, the Confucian bonds are vast; surpassing this and capable of standing as equal to Confucius, the teachings of Huang-Lao are truly prominent. As their teachings gradually flowed, they were not free of corrupting flaws, yet the root of their plain simplicity contains principles that may be revered. In my long-held view on what to accept and reject, the clear and turbid waters are roughly distinguished; in granting and denying, it does not amount to mistaking purple for vermilion. I have merely harbored these thoughts within my breast without yet having occasion to put them into words. The compliance and divergence of different paths must not be erroneously conflated; in examining the boundary between sameness and difference, writing ought to have a clear direction. Analyzing your incoming message, to say that 'reaching the root, they are identical' seems not to be what I call identical; and that 'different times lead to different customs' is also not what I call difference. For a long time I have wished to gently raise regulations in this matter; fortunately, taking advantage of your elegant interests, let us attempt to speak exhaustively together. It is roughly outlined as follows, and I eagerly await your profound insights.