集沙門不應拜俗等事 5.40

5.40

A father's benevolence and a son's filial piety stem from the heavenly constants; a ruler's righteousness and a minister's loyalty rely on the earthly rites. Among the weight of the Three Honored Ones, the ruler is foremost; of what is venerated in the Five Teachings, the father stands at the head. They are the nexus of human relations and the ultimate refuge of ministers and sons. Before the Buddha's path flourished, the black-robed and the mundane walked different paths; after its decline, both have depended upon the king of the state. Lianhe was governed by the sovereign lord, and the entire district of Laixiang was registered as imperial households. Moreover, when Śākyamuni attained extinction, he entrusted [the Dharma] to the kings of states. (This matter is as critiqued in the memorial of the Inner Palace Palace Service.) The descendant of Old Lao has accomplished this magnificent enterprise: donning black and yellow in place of mundane dress, holding the precious mirror to preside over the realm as lord. Even if the Buddha's path is solemn and revered, the heavenly throne is ever weightier: the emperor and the mother of the state are supreme and most honored. To touch one's head to the ground with devout sincerity does not impede the awakening to the Way. (This matter is as critiqued in the memorial of the Tongwen Office.) While the ultimate true principle is still cultivated daily with diligence, honoring the Buddha and bowing to Heaven only further perfects correct enlightenment. Respectfully submitted.