廣弘明集 24.14

24.14

門下。崇因贊業莫若宗玄。裨神染志誰先英哲。故周旦著其朋之誥。釋迦唱善知之文。然則位尊者以納賢為貴。德優者以親仁為尚。朕雖寡昧能無庶幾也。先朝之世。經營六合。未遑內範。遂令皇庭闕高邈之容。紫闥簡超俗之儀。於欽善之理福田之資。良為未足。將欲令懿德法師時來相見。進可飡稟道味退可飾光朝廷。其勅殿中聽一月三入。人數法諱別當牒付。

From the Chancellery: In venerating causes and aiding karmic deeds, nothing surpasses honoring the profound; in assisting the spirit and imbuing the mind, who takes precedence over the eminent and wise? Therefore, the Duke of Zhou made his announcement on companions, and Śākyamuni proclaimed the teaching of good spiritual friends (kalyāṇamitra). Thus, those of exalted position value taking in the worthy, and those of superior virtue prize closeness to the benevolent. Although We are of meager understanding, how could We not aspire to this? In the previous reign, while pacifying the realm, there was no leisure for inner cultivation; consequently, the imperial court lacked the demeanor of lofty detachment, and the palace gates excluded the deportment that transcends the secular. In terms of the principle of admiring virtue and the requisites for the field of merit, this was truly inadequate. We intend to have Dharma Masters of admirable virtue come to meet with Us at times; forward, We may partake of the flavor of the Way, and backward, they may illuminate and adorn the court. Let the Palace Service be ordered to permit them to enter three times a month. The number of persons and their Dharma names will be sent under separate dispatch.