廣弘明集 12.12

12.12

If he says that tilling in person and laboring diligently will encourage agriculture, this stems from narrow vision and is not an all-encompassing path. Common society cannot be regulated by a single rite; government cannot be ordered by a single way; gentlemen cannot be recruited through a single conduct; the people cannot be sustained by a single trade. Thus the 'Treatise on the Equalization of Transport' in the Book of Han states: 'In antiquity, the four classes of people were not permitted to live mingled together. Scholars discussed benevolence and righteousness together in the court and at feasts; artisans discussed craftsmanship together in government workshops; merchants discussed wealth and profit together in the markets; farmers discussed sowing and reaping together in the fields.' These four groups each rested content in their dwelllings and took joy in their trades; thus the resources suited to Heaven and Earth were brought to fruition, and used to support the interests of the state. Today, the monks likewise each have their trade. Regarding their interior: with compassion and forbearance they extend their minds, which is the benevolence and righteousness of the scholar. Speaking of their exterior: with expedient means they transform living things, which is the craftsmanship and skill of the artisan. Discussing their practice: by mutual requital of giving and reward, it is the marketplace of the merchant. Speaking of their Path: by bringing salvation to both oneself and others, it is the diligent plowing of the farmer. Thus supreme sincerity can move ghosts and spirits; only virtue can stir Heaven and Earth, moving compassionate minds to bring down rains, and spreading benevolence to moisten the season. Therefore under a benevolent government, sudden rain follows the carriage, and flying locusts avoid the territory; the wheat on the ridges bears double ears, and the millet yields nine stems. This is all due to the merit of benevolent governance, not merely the labor of diligent farming.