集古今佛道論衡 4.3

4.3

When the Yonghui reign inherited the imperial succession, [the Emperor] repeatedly manifested his deep concern: turning his mind to the Buddhist tradition, he summoned them to debate the Dao. Looking over the lost records of former kings, he pursued the deeds of past worthies. The two dynasties of Song and Wei both promoted discussions and compositions; the Zhou and Sui in succession both gave voice to critical debates. Thus, when the Jin house moved south, it took the Buddhist tradition as a noble family; when the Wei dynasty ruled the north, it placed the black robes and the yellow caps on equal footing. Consequently, the discussion of the abstruse south of the Yangtze established its own model, while across the passes and rivers the debates reached the ultimate, muddying the waters of the Zi and the Mian. Hence there were repeated provocations and distinct paths of doctrine. Although like praying mantises resisting chariot wheels, [the Daoists] ultimately fell into the net; the difference was like clouds and mud, their brilliance hard to match. As generations grew confused, debate was buried in obscurity. Looking back upon these past traces, one cannot help but feel sorrow. It even reached the point where the Yellow Turbans, when refuted, remained silent at the time, but afterwards, upon leaving the debate arena, boldly claimed, 'We were victorious!' Those who had not attended the assembly believed them according to their words. Therefore, based on what I have heard, I set forth this true record. As the matters concern the imperial throne, superficial words have been entirely excluded.