廣弘明集 25.66

25.66

The Fanwang jing (Brahmajāla Sūtra) states: 'Those who have left home do not make obeisance to kings or parents.' The Nyāyānusāra-śāstra (Shun zhengli lun) states: 'Rulers of kingdoms do not demand that bhikṣus make obeisance.' Since the profound teaching gradually spread eastward over six hundred years ago, former sovereigns and kings without exception revered and respected it according to the scriptures. Reaching the sagely emperors [of the Tang], their adherence and devotion to the established teachings have grown even more prominent. Thus monastics behold monasteries in close succession, and pure abodes stand side by side; people know to admire good, and households understand how to seek blessings. We, the saṅgha, humbly count among living beings; how could we forget loyalty and filial piety? When the radiant decree was promulgated, the entire realm complied. We fear only that historians writing with upright brushes will record this as running contrary to the Buddha's teachings, and that ten thousand generations later it will sully the imperial prestige.