廣弘明集 15.146

15.146

In the eighth month of the fourth year of Datong, the moon transgressed the Five Chariots, and the Old Man Star appeared. The King Aśoka Stupa at Changgan Temple was rebuilt, and relics, along with hair and nails of the Buddha, were unearthed. King Aśoka was an iron-wheel-turning king. He ruled over the single continent of Jambudvīpa, and in a single day and night he employed ghosts and spirits to build eighty-four thousand stupas; this was one of them. The imperial carriage visited Changgan Temple, where an unobstructed feast of Dharma-joy was provided. The edict proclaimed: 'Heaven and earth wax and wane, ebbing and flowing with time; the myriad things cannot be uniform in their wriggling lives, nor can the two poles be constant in covering and sustaining them. Therefore, toil and ease differ from year to year, and joy and sorrow vary from day to day. Last year the harvest failed, and a dou of grain soared in price. The people fell into destitution and consequently sank into offenses. In examining their motives and investigating their faults, some may be worthy of pity. Stepping down from my chariot to inquire of the guilty is something heard in ancient pronouncements; the blame falls upon the ruler, which in truth rests upon my own person. If all were disciplined strictly according to law, they would have no way to reform themselves. Does not the Book of Documents say: "Rather than slay the innocent, it is better to fail to observe regular laws"? And the Book of Changes states: "Great indeed is the significance of adapting to the times!" Now the relics of the true form have appeared in the world once more; encountering this rare event, thoughts of how difficult it is to meet are aroused. Now, going forth to King Aśoka Temple, I hold an unobstructed assembly; the aged and the young alike are filled with delight, as though receiving food after accumulated starvation, or meeting kin after long separation. Both the unseen and the manifest turn their hearts in devotion; near and far rush forward in reverence. Men and women spread like rosy clouds; caps and carriages gather like mist. Bestowing virtue in accord with the times truly accords with spirits and humans. All crimes throughout the realm, whether light or grave, are pardoned and eliminated.'