廣弘明集 6.34

6.34

A native of Lanling. In the twelfth year of the Yuanjia era of the Song, he served as Governor of Danyang. He memorialised, stating: 'The Buddha's transformation has covered the Central Kingdom for four dynasties now; pagodas, temples, and images number in the thousands everywhere. For advanced practice, they serve to bind the mind; for beginner practice, they suffice to encourage and inspire. Yet in recent times, feelings of reverence have become superficial and trivial; people do not take devotion and sincerity as paramount, but rather prioritize extravagance and rivalry, violating the mean and exceeding regulations. These should be regulated and restricted; if no prevention is made, the degeneration will not cease. I request that henceforth, whenever someone casts bronze images or builds pagodas and temples, they must first present their petition and lay out their case to the local authorities, and only proceed upon awaiting an affirmative response.'

Examining the text of this memorial, it merely suppressed frantic rivalry; it was not an eradication. This was truly the mark of sustaining the teaching, and its prosperity is quite evident.