集沙門不應拜俗等事 1.53

1.53

I understand that by dwelling beyond the realm and abandoning the physical form, one does not prize the benefits of sustaining life, and that because seeking the ultimate does not stem from conforming to transformation, one does not esteem the resources that foster harmony. You also say that inwardly they depart from the gravity of natural kin without violating filial piety, and outwardly they lack the humility of serving the sovereign without losing reverence. If, as you say, the principle inherently lacks gravity, then there would be no reason for feelings of filial piety to arise; if matters do not depend on sustaining harmony, there should no longer be any duty of showing humility. If feelings toward ruler and parents are admitted not to have ended, why should the expression of those feelings be severed? Affliction and attachment lie in the mind's stagnation and do not stem from bodily reverence; bodily reverence is merely the instrument of the mind. If the feelings remain in the foundation while letting bodily reverence go slack, this is something I do not yet comprehend. You also say that the Buddhist teaching promotes both, including teachings for living in the world, and that grace flows through the realm while the Way permeates the six relations, thereby assisting the imperial ultimate without vainly partaking of its virtue. In the Buddhist teaching, practices correspond to their circumstances; causes and conditions have their origins and inevitably come to fruition without error. If so, how could those who practice the Way violate them? Thus the Way of Śākyamuni could not carry Śuddhodana across the ford; though he had not yet attained srotāpanna, he merely received what his fellow countrymen received. Even taking your words, this itself was the merit of deep virtue in the Way, which cannot be compared to what is currently taught. Your letter failed to join in seeking the principle, but instead broke into great lamentation, which is why it remains unconvincing. I trust you will not be confused by conventional attachments and err in the application of feelings and principles.