集沙門不應拜俗等事 3.35

3.35

The monk Daoxuan and others address the chancellors and dukes of the court: We respectfully observe the imperial edict ordering monks to pay homage to ruler and father. The principles and realities involved are profound and far-reaching, not to be fathomed by shallow sentiments. Now, the path of renunciation shares the standard of all sages; the divisions between the ultimate and conventional are the common track of a hundred kings. Duan Ganmu in Wei stood proudly and met Marquis Wen; Yan Ziling under the Han made a deep bow with clasped hands and sought Guangwu. If those who practiced the lesser way still maintained a stance of high detachment, how could these śramaṇas fail to partake of the beauty of leisurely freedom? It is only that the Three Jewels face the place of honor to unfold the etiquette of taking refuge and revering, while the five assemblies offer sincerity to open up the way of the field of merit. If they are now reduced to conformity with Confucian propriety, then the Buddha was not a person who transcended the secular; if they bow down to ruler and father, then the monk is not a figure worthy of respect. If so, then the Three Jewels are entirely discarded, taking refuge and precepts are severed from human relations, Confucianism and Daoism become the teachers, and the scriptures of Confucius are honored above the Buddhist canon. In the past, the Jin and Song fully established earlier precedents; the detailed deliberations of the Eight Ministries are sufficient as a mirror. We monks have borne the state's heavy entrustment, being permitted to go forth from the household, uphold the Dharma, practice the Way, and respectfully receive the sage rules. Suddenly being ordered to pay homage brings blemish upon the profound scriptures; pacing back and forth in distress, we know not where to seek shelter. We respectfully set forth the inner scriptures and historical precedents, citing them in full as above, to present to the court deliberations. We request that you graciously examine and adopt them. Respectfully submitted.