集沙門不應拜俗等事 5.38

5.38

We venture to consider: When the Three Teachings arose, they all urged and encouraged goodness. Though their streams diverged, they converged in their direction toward virtue. Although the tracks of the black-robed and yellow-capped differ slightly, how could the decorum toward ruler and parents be severed? How could it be that, merely having cast off mundane robes, one immediately scorns the deportment of ritual, making a high bow to the imperial carriage and refusing to bow to one's strict father? The way of according reverence is deficient, and the traces of loyalty and filial piety are suddenly broken. This custom of Laozi and Śākya is not entirely good. (Critique: The inner and outer are opposed; the ultimate truth and the mundane contradict each other. How can one lightly wield the brush-tip and airily overlook the profound ultimate? Confucius said: "He who denies the sage is without law." How true indeed!) At present, standards are being bequeathed and institutions established, so that virtue and rites may harmonize. Where the canonical texts have suffered deviations and loss, they should be carefully deliberated and reorganized. Grounded in principle and examining sentiment, bowing is truly appropriate. Respectfully submitted.