集沙門不應拜俗等事 5.46

5.46

Now, those who renounce household life are termed "departing from the mundane"; in their rules and admonitions, modesty and humility come first. Having comprehended suffering and emptiness, in principle they abandon self and other. (Critique: The origin of not showing reverence comes from maintaining the true teaching; how could it be due to preserving a self that they do not bow?) Furthermore, the ruler and father are honored and weighty, their reverence rivaling Heaven; as for the deportment of bowing and prostrating, there is no doubt in the matter. It is only through following past eras that reverence was paid to their robes and precepts, causing this state of affairs. (This matter is as critiqued in the memorial of the Court of Provisions.) It is only acceptable that the ruler and father decline their bows; how can they themselves assume honor? Moreover, in the final teachings of the Semblance Dharma, the burden was entrusted to the kings of states. (This matter is as critiqued in the memorial of the Inner Palace Palace Service.) When the king of the state manifests the high and the low, it does not violate the path of the One Vehicle. Respectfully submitted.