廣弘明集 10.49

10.49

[Ming]guang states: It is on account of Wei Yuansong, the bogus man of the Way of Ye'an Temple in Yizhou. Having peaked eloquence and heavenly loftiness, he suppressed what is right and embellished what is wrong, requesting the abolition of Buddhist monasteries and the destruction of the sangha's Dharma. These were one-sided words that misled the sovereign; what comes first is difficult to clarify. The great state believed them, and remonstrances were not accepted. Throughout the world there was private grumbling, and the myriad commoners looked on with wonder and resentment. Truly, of disasters nothing could exceed this severity. [Ming]guang's learning was not agile in youth, and my talent falls short of innate knowledge. I have nonetheless read the words of a single purpose and extensively perused treatises of many directions; I sought among the hundred schools and repeatedly examined the Six Classics. Verifying and testing Yuansong's words, they do not accord at all. Alas, the Buddhadharma has existed for a very long time! What is lamentable is that today it is unjustly subjected to decline. One who flatters to illicitly spare himself is a thief to the state; one who speaks frankly without evading severe execution is a blessing to the state. Respectfully relying on this principle, I dare risk death to offer my sincere loyalty. The six items rebutting Yuansong are set forth below.