集沙門不應拜俗等事 5.15

5.15

I venture to consider: The two teachings of Buddhism and Daoism fundamentally value the void and dark; expounding expedient means in the three vehicles, they accord with forgetting words through a single pointing finger. Solely silent and solitary, what do their silence and solitude not encompass? Neither existent nor non-existent, what do their existence and non-existence not perceive? The modern companions of the Dharma are indeed numerous, yet for long they have diminished the ritual of prostrating and kneeling. (Critique: May I ask where they were ever ordered to bow, such that you speak of 'diminishing' it?)
They place themselves in a lofty position, relying on conditioned precepts to merely clasp their hands to the unsurpassed sovereign and parents. (Critique: Having shaved their heads and embraced the Śākya lineage, in upholding the precepts it is improper to perform mundane bows.)
Examined through human feelings, their sentiment borders on reckless arrogance; sought in ultimate principle, the principle remains unconvincing. (Critique: Examined through human feelings, Chaofu and Xu You were never called reckless and arrogant; sought in ultimate principle, can śramaṇas ever be said to be unconvincing?)
Ordering them to pay reverence to sovereign and parents will hopefully hand down a standard for future generations. Respectfully deliberated.