集沙門不應拜俗等事 1.22

1.22

Second edict: I have examined what was presented and fully understand your sentiments and intent. Matters of the unseen and obscure are indeed not something metaphors can exhaust. However, their outline is merely the regular standard of great men and spirits, roughly possessing general distinctions. In general, though the laws instituted by the hundred kings adapted simplicity and refinement to the times, there has never been a case where alien customs were mixed into governance or absurdities confused the transformation of the people. Could it be that former sages were unenlightened, while the later sages are broadly accommodating? Moreover, the minor good of the five precepts roughly resembles human relationships, yet should they on that account neglect ritual and reverence toward the lord of the world? Rites are weightiest; reverence is greatest; the net of governance is exhausted in these! The ruler of ten thousand chariots does not love honor for himself, nor do the people of the realm love humility for themselves; but if the humble and the honorable are not set in order, the royal teaching will fall into chaos. This is why the former sages established laws and embodied the state, something about which one should not be deluded. Broadly learned talents collect and often practice these teachings extensively; practicing them for oneself or for one's family is permissible, but practicing them for the state and the imperial court is impermissible. Is this not obvious? From examining what was presented, it turns out you too are unable to know whether he exists or does not exist. Even if you knew he existed, I would still say this cannot be mixed into governance; how much less so when there is nothing at all—how could one rely on it to govern the south?