集沙門不應拜俗等事 4.58

4.58

臣聞。三教同歸漸頓雖別。俱為助化咸稱勸善。宣尼作訓。不拘方外之流。大師垂範。全舍寰中之累。虛室生白一粒餘資。並駕康衢唯道是務。自玄風載偃法雲收族。黃冠緇服心跡不俱　皇上愍其忘反式令僉議。但絕胤髠頂形之重也。擎跪拜伏禮之末也。今若捨其重而檢其末。申其道而屈其人。恐習俗生常。頓改非易。伏望嚴告有司。詳加誘進。如更因心靡厝。方可寘之刑禮。輕陳芻管伏深戰懼。謹議。

Your servant has heard: The Three Teachings share the same goal, and though sudden and gradual differ, they all assist transformation and are each said to encourage good. Xuanni created instructions and did not constrain those beyond the realm; the Great Master left a model and entirely cast off the burdens within the world. An empty chamber produces white light, and a single grain is surplus provision; driving abreast on the broad thoroughfare, their only concern was the Way. Since the profound style declined and the Dharma cloud gathered its lineage, those in yellow caps and black robes have had minds and traces that do not match. The August Emperor, pitying their forgetting to return, ordered all to deliberate. Yet severing posterity and shaving the head are grave matters regarding the body; raising the hands, kneeling, and prostrating are minor points of propriety. If we now abandon the grave and inspect the minor, upholding their Dao while bending their persons, we fear that long-held custom has become ordinary practice, and sudden change will not be easy. We humbly hope that strict notice will be given to the relevant offices to carefully guide and advance them; if they still do not apply their hearts, only then may they be subjected to punishment and rites. Lightly presenting our rustic and narrow view, we bow with profound trepidation and fear. Respectfully deliberated.