破邪論 2.25

2.25

於後慕其德者斷惡以立身。欽其風者潔己而修善。毀形以成其志。故棄鬚髮美容。變俗以會其道。故去君臣華服。雖形闕奉親而內懷其孝。禮乖事主而心戢其恩。澤被怨親以成大順。福霑幽顯豈拘小違。上智之人依佛語故為益。下凡之類違聖教故為損。懲惡則濫者自新。進善則通人感化。伏惟陛下。至德含弘仁心鞠育。爰復降情正法留意出家。廣布慈雲重興佛日。利益之道難得而稱。此即大唐帝業慈被百靈。聖種鴻基惠流千祀。不敢輒以愚意輕測天心。謹課庸詞略申管見。塵黷御覽。伏深戰越。謹對。

Later, those who admired his virtue cut off evil to establish themselves, and those who revered his manners purified themselves to cultivate the good. They disfigured their forms to achieve their aspirations; hence they cast away beard and hair and handsome looks. They transformed worldly ways to accord with the Way; hence they abandoned the splendid robes of lord and minister. Although in outward form they fall short in serving their parents, inwardly they cherish filial piety; although in ritual they deviate from serving the ruler, in their hearts they store gratitude. Extending bounty to enemies and kin alike, they accomplish great compliance; with blessings moistening both the unseen and the manifest, how could they be constrained by minor violations? People of superior wisdom rely on the Buddha's words, and therefore it is beneficial; ordinary beings of the lower sort violate the sage's teaching, and therefore it is harmful. Restraining evil, the errant will renew themselves; promoting good, men of understanding will be transformed. Prostrate, I reflect that Your Majesty's supreme virtue encompasses all and your benevolent heart nurtures [the world]. Thereupon you have again turned your attention to the true Dharma and given heed to renunciation, widely spreading the clouds of compassion and rekindling the sun of the Buddha. The way of such benefit and profit is difficult to praise completely. This is precisely how the imperial enterprise of the Great Tang spreads compassion over the hundred spirits, and the vast foundation of the sacred lineage extends its favor across a thousand generations. I dare not arbitrarily use my foolish thoughts to lightly fathom the heavenly mind; I have only diligently composed ordinary words to briefly express my narrow view. Desecrating the imperial gaze, prostrate, I tremble with utmost awe. Respectfully submitted in response.