集沙門不應拜俗等事 5.12

5.12

I venture to reflect: The two gates of Buddhism and Daoism are identical in emptiness and quiescence. Even if one cannot train the mind beyond the realm and discard one's shadow from human society, one must still keep one's traces distinct from the secular and one's affairs separated from the worldly. However, nowadays those who enter renunciation often mingle with the dusty ranks; externally they regard themselves as lofty by not bending, while internally they devote themselves to private solicitation. In vain do they bear the name of entering the Way, possessing no reality of leaving the secular. (Critique: Not bending is done out of upholding the Dharma; private solicitation is indeed contrary to the teaching's principles. One should only tighten the disciplinary rules to punish those unruly elements; how could one set fire to Mount Kunlun wanting to incinerate both jade and stone alike?)

As for the standing of sovereign and parents, etiquette embraces both subject and child; where filial reverence is centered, its significance for family and state is profound. Without regulations, how could governance be maintained? We request that for monks, nuns, Daoist priests, and Daoist priestesses, when the Dao is demanded by the times or matters arise from Dharma assemblies, even before the sovereign and empress they may be permitted to follow the old model. Beyond this, we request that all be ordered to bow. If returning home to visit parents, the way of a son should be expressed; if in monasteries or abbeys, let them follow the Buddhist scriptures at will. (Critique: If monks and nuns ought to bow, there is no occasion when they should not bow; if they ought not, how can one distinguish times and places? How can a tonsured person be the same individual, yet differentiated rites are permitted based on location, while the Dharma robe is from beginning to end unchanging, yet distinct scriptures are fabricated based on practical events? This is wavering between two sides, merely courting contemporary acclaim; it cannot be called having an ambition to exalt family and state or offering loyalty and uprightness.)

We hope that, regarding humble subservience as a shame, they will gradually banish superficial rivalry, honor themselves with the Way and virtue, and progressively propagate the teachings of the Dharma. I venture to present my humble view, bowed down with increasing trepidation. Respectfully deliberated.