廣弘明集 10.14

10.14

The Emperor decreed: "Is the meaning of the filial way not the utmost? Yet if one exclusively adheres to it, it benefits only oneself. This is why great wisdom uses expedient means to act contrary to the ordinary so as to accord with the Way. When Tang and Wu attacked their sovereigns, their benevolence and wisdom were not blamed; when Weisheng kept his faith, calamity arrived and he met his death. If a matter is beneficial, even if it runs contrary, it must be carried out; if it is not reasonable, even if compliant, it must be cut away. One cannot protect one's single reputation while causing the four seas to harbor doubts, externally going against Taizu while internally benefiting the black-haired people.