廣弘明集 25.69

25.69

Śramaṇa Jingmai says: We have humbly heard that when the documents of ancestry were declared, the venerable father bowed his body before his son [who was an official]; and when outward attire was changed, armoured warriors did not bow to sovereign or parents. We reflect that monks declare their succession to the Buddha's lineage, which shares the principle of honour; thus love and respect yield to the supreme, and people bend their dignity before the Dharma's aura. Since our appearance and robes differ from the secular, this is no different from the alteration of martial attire; consequently, śramaṇas do not bend their limbs before sovereign or father. Investigating this thoroughly within and without, although the form and rules are altered, how could we dare be negligent in revering our sovereign and parents within our hearts? For instance, when subjects mourn a deceased ruler, days are substituted for months; although outwardly they wear auspicious clothing, in their hearts they mourn for three years. Thus we know that silencing the eight tones is set for three years, and cultivating reverence within the heart has a long history. If monks are made to turn and bow to their parents, then both clergy and laity will violate the Buddha's precepts, and will sink, drown, and cycle endlessly [in saṃsāra]. Moreover, that which moves heaven and earth and affects ghosts and spirits—how could it lie in kneeling and prostrating? As for anything that benefits the public, we would spare no effort; but we fear that if this new change incurs even one mistake, it would betray the sagely sovereign's great grace in permitting the practice of the Dharma. Even if our bodies were ground to dust across kalpas, how could we atone for this fault? We humbly reflect that Your Majesty broadly opens the avenue for presenting writings and fully accepts the arguments of humble opinions. Venturing to trouble your imperial gaze, we are filled with mounting fear and sweat. Respectfully spoken.