廣弘明集 10.16

10.16

[Dao]lin presented a memorial, saying: "If it is said that destroying the Buddha brings benefit and abolishing the Saṅgha benefits the people, formerly Emperor Taizu Kang possessed profound discernment of myriad principles and his wisdom encompassed a thousand paths. If the Buddha-Dharma had indeed harmed transformation, he would immediately have eradicated it; how could he have respectfully venerated it for accumulated years, causing it to flourish throughout all under Heaven? Furthermore, while the Buddha-Dharma existed, where was the harm? Since it was suppressed, what benefit and profit have been accomplished? If indeed there was no benefit, how would this not be unfilial?"

The edict said: "The flourishing of teachings has its seasons, and the Way is difficult to fix by standard. Decrees proceed from above; the king serves as the model. Even if there were minor benefits, it must still be abandoned, not to mention that the Buddha brings no benefit and in principle cannot be tolerated. Why? Reverent service brings no verification, and invocation achieves no effect. When [a religion] cannot even save itself in distress, how can it benefit the state? Since it was abolished, the corvée of the common people has gradually lessened, taxes and levies have increased year by year, and armies have grown mightier day by day. To the east we pacified the Qi state, and to the west subdued the monstrous barbarians. The realm is secure and the people rejoice; how could this not be beneficial? If this matter is beneficial, then while Taizu was alive he repeatedly campaigned against Qi, so why was he not victorious? When We destroyed the Buddha-Dharma, if this were contrary and harmful, We should also have perished. Having pacified the eastern Xia, We clearly know it is beneficial. Abolishing it accords with reason; in principle it shall not be re-established."