廣弘明集 25.26

25.26

The monk Daoxuan and others report: Ever since the tracks were shifted from the Golden River and the transformation spread through the Jade Gate, through successive generations of brilliant sages and illustrious capable ministers, none failed to bow their heads to ask for the Path and to take refuge, knowing the ford. Thus did rows of monasteries look upon one another and shrines of benevolence spread like chess pieces; devas and humans looked up to the path of the field of merit, and the hidden and manifest realms cherished the decorum of the true Path. Pure and faithful men gathered like clouds; lofty and noble guests assembled like mists. This caused the teachings to be divided into the three vehicles, bestowing exemplary conduct for ten thousand years, and their positions to open into the four assemblies, displaying the pure models of the five vehicles. Recently, as the dharma-ocean is vast and wide, it has been difficult to distinguish the gathered sorts. Faults and transgressions having become increasingly manifest, they have sullied the imperial gaze. An extraordinary edict was issued commanding [clerics] to bow to the sovereign and parents; yet, deigning to show compassion, [His Majesty] has made it known to the court for deliberation. Receiving this luminous command, we monks are deeply moved and lament with streaming tears. Truly, because our practice lacks the virtue to illuminate the age, we have caused distress to reach the Emperor above. Moreover, since the Dharma and its teachings spread eastward, it has frequently experienced declines and prosperities: three times it has been suppressed and five times subjected to bowing. All were in ages lacking glory and enlightenment, under tyrannical and oppressive rulers. Thus the decrees they promulgated were not plans for statecraft; violating the norm, they brought upon themselves the censure of good historians. The reason of things being difficult to overturn, they returned in the end to the old ford. We prostrate ourselves and reflect that Your Royal Highness maintains the governance of the capital region and holds the administrative reins. The clergy and laity are revived, and the bustling affairs are calmed. Now the Dharma gate is blocked and closed, and the voiced teachings cannot spread. This is precisely the autumn for calming obstacles and pulling [beings] out of difficulty, the day for rescuing the drowning and supporting the imperiled. For us monks, our cries cannot reach the palace gate; in vain do we crane our necks toward the Ninefold Enclosure. The celestial steps can rarely be ascended; in the end we are anxious and unsettled amidst a hundred cares. Therefore we venture to lay bare our sincere feelings, opening our hearts in the hope that you will deign to bestow your great favor and look down to guide and assist us. If so, the entrusted charge will be revered, and the pure breeze will spread across the nine regions; the True Dharma and Semblance Dharma will flourish anew, and immense blessings will illuminate the four seas. Unable to endure our extreme distress, we present this petition in full. Deeply ashamed and terrified to cause such disturbance, we respectfully submit this petition on the twenty-fifth day of the fourth month.