集古今佛道論衡 3.9

3.9

In the eighth year of Wude, the year being xieqia (yiyou), the imperial carriage visited the National Academy, where the rites of the sacrifice to Confucius were laid out. In the hall three seats were arranged to set forth the three lineages. At that time, Dharma Master Huicheng of Shengguang Temple, who had been treasured by Emperor Yang of the Sui, was deeply revered by both clergy and laity and unanimously nominated to act as the head of the assembly. At that time, talents and scholars from the five capitals, men versed in the three teachings, along with the honorable chancellors, ministers, and heads of ministries, were all gathered. The Son of Heaven issued an edict saying: 'The teachings of Laozi and Confucius are the primordial foundation of this land; the Buddhist teaching arose later and should be honored with the protocol of a guest. Now Laozi may go first, Confucius next, and the Buddhist lineage last.' At that time, they looked at one another and none dared to respond or oppose. Although Huicheng ascended the seat, his mind was uneasy. Taizong, who was then the Prince of Qin, attended the assembly in person; looking straight at Huicheng, his gaze never turned away. He repeatedly sent palace envoys saying: 'Worry about nothing. Master, just broadly expound the Buddhist lineage and first proclaim the Emperor's virtue.' Since he was to present his discourse at the very end, which would surpass and penetrate all previous expositions, [Huicheng] then addressed the assembly, saying: 'Above heaven and below earth, the most noble is man; honor and rank in karmic retribution must take the Buddha as their master. Now as we are about to set forth the great purport, the ritual protocol must be fully observed. All should join their palms and kneel devoutly to manifest the basis of master and disciple.' As soon as his voice ceased,