廣弘明集 11.55

11.55

We reply: Principles value profound evidence, and words rely on veritable records. Why is it that Baoxi alone reigned without it reaching his descendants? The two lords Yao and Shun held their rank among the Five Thearchs: Yao supported goodness and transmitted the throne to a sage, and Shun was also abundant in benevolence, sagacious and enlightened. As discussed in the "Two Canons" of the Shangshu, their transformation of the people and governance of the Way were achievements of the highest order; they were enlightened lords of whom the people could give no name, matching Heaven itself. Yet Yao deposed his elder brother to set himself up, and his son Danzhu was unworthy. Shun's father was stubborn and his mother deceitful; in both cases it was limited to a single person and could not reach their heirs. At that time there was no Buddha; why were their thrones not transmitted generation after generation, but vanished so quickly and prematurely?