集沙門不應拜俗等事 5.23

5.23

We reflect that the models bequeathed by the Buddhist gate have their significance in quietude and emptiness, and the teachings established by the Daoist school find their principle in diminishment and humility. How could self-exaltation and esteem be considered nobility? (The matter is as critiqued in the deliberation of the Department of the Palace Library.) As for the decorum between sovereign and minister, father and son, and the ranks of the honored and humble, the noble and base, they share the same trajectory along different paths with the Confucian teachings. However, those of black robes and yellow caps have not penetrated the true Dharma; they cannot steadfastly uphold true words and pure precepts, but merely rely on robes and bowls to elevate and honor themselves. (Critique: The sūtras state that the kāṣāya is the banner-form of all buddhas, and also state that it is equivalent to a buddha's stūpa. The alms bowl is a vessel conforming to Dharma; from ancient times all buddhas have shared this vessel. Thus the Daśacakra Sūtra states: "An elephant king saw a hunter wearing a kāṣāya; out of reverence, he pulled out his own tusks and gave them to this hunter." Moreover, the Dharmaguptaka Vinaya says: "The venerable Sāgata subdued a poisonous dragon within his bowl." Hence we know that the compliant vessel and the Dharma robe possess no small power. To wear them is inherently noble; why harbor deep doubts about it? Furthermore, Zhongni (Confucius) still showed reverence toward those carrying register tablets or wearing ceremonial robes; how much more should this vessel and robe not be revered?) The path of humility being deficient, the practice of perfumed cultivation is all the more lost. Thus, supreme majesty and reverence inherently belong to the sovereign and parents; in the return of reverence and homage, what distinction can there be between monastic and secular? May it move the imperial reflection above, while gathering these humble words below: by overhauling and renewing [the regulations], we request that the ritual of bowing be observed. We respectfully submit our deliberation.