廣弘明集 25.38

25.38

Formed from the two qi, a venerable father is hailed as the greatest honour; drawing upon the five elements, the supreme ruler is marked by the nobility of modeling himself after Heaven. As for the etiquette of raising hands, kneeling, and bowing low, all companions within civilising transformation alike observe it; as for the ways of toiling in service and providing bodily support, all creatures endowed with life together record them. In all matters concerning ruler and father, principle transcends spoken words. Yet the two gates of Laozi and Śākya leave behind the dust and renounce the world. Their singular principle of vacuity and nothingness departs from existence and meets with emptiness. An auspicious omen appeared in Vaiśālī, expounding the verses of compassion; misty vapour hovered over Hangu Pass, opening the text on the Way and its Virtue. Dwelling between timber and geese, nurturing life is their concern; discarding the marks of form and sound, extinguishment is their mind. Those who hold fast to propriety and tread in ceremony cannot plumb its profound marvels; those who cherish loyalty and practice filial piety have yet to dip into its surging waves. Its principle existed prior to the Great Ultimate; its concerns arise beyond mortal beings. Therefore, to revere their Way one makes distinct their robes; to honour their teaching one alters their etiquette. From recent antiquity down to the latter days, though modifications have momentarily diverged, this Way has never fallen. Coming down to the grief surrounding the twin trees and the mournful tears congealed in the three cries, to prevent later generations from damaging the tradition, they bound the Confucian school to bridle the Dharma. Thus one ought to support and perfect the old teachings; how should one formulate new protocols? Truly one should unbend the majesty of the imperial screen and unfold the tenets beyond the mundane realm; set aside the gravitas due to honoured kin and give free rein to wandering within the ring of non-obstruction. By my humble appraisal, adhering to precedent is appropriate.