廣弘明集 13.77

13.77

The Bodhisattva says: Your Huahu jing says: 'Xi wished to follow Dan. Dan said: If you are sincerely determined to follow me, you must cut off the heads of seven people—your father, mother, wife, and children—and only then may you go. Xi was so completely sincere that he personally cut off the heads of his parents and the seven persons, and brought the heads before Dan, whereupon they turned into seven pigs' heads.' Now, that which accords with the Way of Heaven and Earth is conduct; that which does not harm harmonious breath is filial piety. Ding Lan's sincerity moved the rotting wood; Dong Yong's filial piety brought down the heavenly maiden. Even birds and beasts have mothers and offspring and know affection; how much more so should Dan and Xi, in practicing the Way throughout the world, not have done this! Cutting off his parents' heads—how can that be called filial? Slaughtering his wife and children—how can that be termed compassionate?