廣弘明集 25.53

25.53

The memorial presented by Yan Liben, acting Grand Minister of the Ministry of Rites (Siping Taichang Bo), and others stated: We have heard that hardness breaks while yielding endures, which fans the profound essence of the mystical teaching; mortifying the body and enduring humiliation exalts the subtle words of the Buddhist path. Thus, they are able to open the source of being humble and broad-minded and promote the principle of 'Never Despising' (Sadāparibhūta). For this reason, the Śrāvaka offered veneration to the householder [Vimalakīrti], and the Historian of the Pillars [Laozi] submitted himself to the King of Zhou. These serve as ornaments for the black-robed monks and as models for the yellow-capped Daoists. Ever since then, however, their fundamental principles have been lost; successive dynasties have submerged their true principles, and conventional customs have clung to errant ways. When the One Man takes action, the myriad things gaze upon him. He binds together heaven and earth, governs kings and sovereigns, turns the golden wheel in supreme realms, and builds the jade capital in the mystical sphere. As a consequence, Daoists who seek the truth pursue the distant customs of the Keeper of the Archives [Laozi], while śramaṇas who cut their hair extend the long-standing tradition of paying homage at the feet. How much more so when the sun casts its radiant rays in heaven, marking a brightness without rival; the Great Emperor holds supreme honour in governing the universe, reaching the ultimate nobility of harmonising the three realms [of heaven, earth, and humanity]! Moreover, although the standards of the two religions cut off worldly appearances, their practice stops merely at renouncing household life, and they have not escaped the realm of the state. Sharing forms fashioned by the lineage of Si, they all revere the transformative influence of the virtue of Yao. How could they pay reciprocal rites to the imperial court and singularly exalt their own true rules? To disparage the venerated and disdain elders is perversity among mortals; to serve the sovereign and respect one's father incurs no fault against the Way. Examining the principles in detail, bowing and paying obeisance are appropriate.