集沙門不應拜俗等事 6.34

6.34

The monk Weixiu and others say: We have heard that the true and the conventional belong to different realms; the śramaṇas sever attachment to sentient existence. The unseen and the manifest wear distinct vestments; the patchwork robe entails no posture of prostration. In principle, [the monastic state] naturally transcends mundane emotions; in the Way, it ever differs from worldly things. Furthermore, our forms are molded by the precepts and our thoughts are smelted in the crossing of liberation. Repaying kindness does not rely on bodily provisioning; one looks toward blessed goodness, yet proper decorum is not altered. If the Buddhist bow is necessarily made identical with that of the Confucians, for monks there is the fault of transgressing the precepts, and for parents there is the encumbrance of diminishing their merits. How could the considerations of subjects and sons dare not be fully stated? We humbly reflect that Your Majesty rectifies and stimulates far-reaching policies, uplifting and encouraging profound aspirations. Having already honored [the saṃgha] within the state, we also beg that it be rectified within the family, fully enabling those who leave the world to avoid worldly ceremonies and those who undertake renunciation to sever the homages of household members. Protecting the Dharma resides in this; planting blessings can have nothing preceding it. When naturally the teachings are distinguished, people will know to exert themselves. Unable to endure the utmost depth of our sincere devotion, we respectfully present this memorial for imperial hearing. Soiling and troubling the imperial screens, prostrate, we are increasingly overcome with trembling. Respectfully submitted.