集沙門不應拜俗等事 6.18

6.18

From the Eastern Terrace: As for the sage rulers of the central and outer regions, their carriages were different yet they ran abreast; the conventions tailored within and without involved a hundred thoughts yet arrived at the same result. Since the light descended in the Zhou sky and the Han dream prolonged its radiance, the subtle transformation shifted westward and the flow of wisdom was poured out eastward. As for the profound meaning of the Mysterious Female and the rare voice of the Azure Heaven, they fully unfolded the foundation of the six compliances and together harmonized with the root of the five constants. Yet in the realm of love and reverence, they have forgotten the etiquette of kneeling and prostrating. This has been for a long time, and this defect has not been reformed. Taking Our seat upon the charts and ascending to governance, We revere the true and guide the secular, focusing Our mind upon the ferry of liberation, and steeping Our thoughts in the realm of the constant name. It is precisely because the way of honoring parents is the standard maxim of the ritual classics, and the duty of filial piety and fraternal respect is the clear model of the poets. How can one, on account of lofty rules that cut off dust, forget reverence for parents? How can one, through upright norms that extirpate burdens, neglect the order of warming and cooling? Previously We wished to have Daoist priests, Daoist priestesses, monks, nuns, and others offer homage, but fearing it would shock constant minds, We had it deliberated and decided. The relevant officials all cited canonical evidence and simultaneously set forth feelings and reasons; the two paths of continuity and change were equally divided in their discussions. We have weighed the various deliberations and deeply investigated the subtle mysteries. Indeed, the style of Mount Ji and the Ying River held its pursuit aloft, and in looking back to earlier ages, it was also present. Now, toward the ruler, they need not offer homage. As for their parents, their loving nurture is profoundly deep; neglecting this reverence and submission, where else could it be established? From this time forward, they should immediately kneel and prostrate. Let the responsible authorities carry this out.