廣弘明集 10.46

10.46

the decree said: "Vastly establishing the mysterious wind, the Three Jewels (triratna) are revered; it is especially fitting that respect be cultivated. The Dharma transformation is vast and broad, and in principle it should be taken refuge in and venerated. Among the former śramaṇas, seven whose virtuous conduct is pure and lofty are to be settled in the west of the Zhengwu Hall to practice the Way." On the twenty-sixth day of the second month, the reign era was changed to Daxiang. An edict was further issued: "The Buddhadharma is vast and great, revered collectively throughout a thousand ages. How could it be suppressed and hidden, abandoned and not practiced? From this day forward, from princes and dukes down to the common people, all should cultivate its service, so as to know our intention." On that very day, the hall was adorned with revered statues, and devout veneration was fully performed. At that time, the two assemblies of Buddhists and Daoists each selected one Mahābhadanta to ascend the Dharma seat and expound the wondrous scriptures. This caused people to harbor fearlessness and alternately utter subtle words. The Buddhist principles were vast, boundless, profound, and unfathomable; the Daoist tradition was drifing, shallow, and clearly recognizable. Their sharp points were blunted in the assembly, and the princes and dukes sighed in admiration. By the twenty-eighth day of the fourth month, an edict was issued: "The Buddhist meanings are profound, miraculous, and vast. One must broadly open ritual transformations and permit their cultivation. Those who revere and uphold it should examine themselves according to the sūtras. Those who follow the Way need not shave their hair; mutilating the body runs counter to the Great Way. It is appropriate that they retain their beards and hair, and wear solemn clothing to advance toward the lofty orientation. Let there be selected from among the former śramaṇas one hundred and twenty men of fine virtue, chastity, profound and broad learning, whose names and reality are brilliant and whose reputation is commendable, to practice the Way for the state at Zhihu Temple. It is intended that their four requisites be supplied so that there is no deficiency. For the people, meditation and recitation shall not be obstructed in any way. Only in the capital and in Luoyang shall one monastery each be established; throughout the other prefectures and commanderies it is not yet permitted." On the twenty-eighth day of the fifth month of the first year of Daxiang of the Zhou [579 CE], Dharma Master Ren Daolin, at the residence of Wei Daohu in Tongzhou, compiled and recounted these matters and presented them to the throne. The Palace Grand Secretary, Duke of Pei, Yuwen Ze, personally examined it; the Junior Palace Grand Secretary, Duke of Linjing, Yuwen Hong, opened and read it; the Senior Gentleman for Ceremonies, Tuoba Xinggong, investigated it thoroughly; and the Chief Senior Gentleman, Shikou Chen, reviewed and verified it.