廣弘明集 6.34

6.34

蘭陵人。宋元嘉十二年為丹陽尹。奏稱佛化被於中國已歷四代。塔寺形像所在千計。進可以繫心。退足以招勸。自頃已來。敬情浮末不以精誠為至。更以奢競為重。違中越制。宜加檢裁。不為之防流遁未已。請今後鑄銅像造塔寺。先詣所在陳事列言。待報聽造。觀斯奏狀抑止奔競。非曰除滅。斯寔住持之相。居然昌顯矣。

A native of Lanling. In the twelfth year of the Yuanjia era of the Song, he served as Governor of Danyang. He memorialised, stating: 'The Buddha's transformation has covered the Central Kingdom for four dynasties now; pagodas, temples, and images number in the thousands everywhere. For advanced practice, they serve to bind the mind; for beginner practice, they suffice to encourage and inspire. Yet in recent times, feelings of reverence have become superficial and trivial; people do not take devotion and sincerity as paramount, but rather prioritize extravagance and rivalry, violating the mean and exceeding regulations. These should be regulated and restricted; if no prevention is made, the degeneration will not cease. I request that henceforth, whenever someone casts bronze images or builds pagodas and temples, they must first present their petition and lay out their case to the local authorities, and only proceed upon awaiting an affirmative response.'

Examining the text of this memorial, it merely suppressed frantic rivalry; it was not an eradication. This was truly the mark of sustaining the teaching, and its prosperity is quite evident.