集沙門不應拜俗等事 4.15

4.15

We humbly consider: That ministers and sons kneel and prostrate is indeed the constant regulation; yet in the Ritual Classics there are also provisional accommodations: a mother bows to her son in order to treat him as an adult by ritual, and a ruler does not treat his minister as a subject in order to honor his virtue and the Way. How much more so for the teachings beyond the realm, whose practice of goodness is different: Daoism has the ascending into the void, while Buddhism has no arising and ceasing. Cultivating the mind and training conduct, they rely upon cause and effect. It is named 'renunciation,' clearly surpassing the worldly sphere, and all call it an exceptional enterprise. Successive dynasties have all revered it and extensively established bodhimaṇḍas. All seek eternal bliss, dedicating vast merit to the ruler and parents, and rescuing conscious beings from the dark paths. In terms of enduring greatness, they are higher than worldly teachings. If they were assimilated to the Confucian model and returned to the worldly flow, not exalting disciples, there would be no means to manifest the Way. Relying on devotion and protection, the Way attains permanent preservation. The rite of not bowing is used to manifest profound protection. The foundation of revering the Way takes bringing benefit as its principal concern. Now, according to the sūtra texts, it says that bowing does not benefit the people or profit the state; this is indeed what ought to be said. If a text does not offer benefit, how could we dare present it? Following the law and adhering to the old brings no defect to the constant statutes. To realize the subtle and plumb the profound is beyond the reach of those below. Having the fortune to offer our humble suggestions, we dare exhaust our foolish sincerity. Fearing it may be inappropriate, we are deeply seized by anxiety and trembling. Respectfully deliberated.