辯正論 8.65

8.65

佛說太子瑞應經云。佛初生時。有五百師子。從雪山來。侍列門側。薩婆多論云。有石師子吼。伏諸異道守護伽藍。出自西域。今日獻者還從彼來。以今證昔。事符目驗。仁王經云。幡長五丈。藥師經云。四十九尺。備皆五色雜綵。用以護國續命轉障消災。挂在龍鉤懸於鳳剎。假令道家有之。教宗既殊。幡製亦異。不應色彩無別量數共同。盂蘭盆經云。七月十五日僧自恣時。獻盆供者能救七世父母之苦。比見諸州道士亦行斯法。豈不濫哉。

The Sūtra on the Auspicious Portents of the Crown Prince Preached by the Buddha states: 'When the Buddha was first born, there were five hundred lions coming from the Snow Mountains to stand in attendance beside the gate.' The Sarvāstivāda Treatise states: 'There was a stone lion roaring, which subdued all heterodox paths and guarded the saṅghārāma.' They originate from the Western Regions, and those presented today likewise came from there. Proving the past by the present, the facts match what is seen with one's eyes. The Benevolent King Sūtra states: 'The banner is fifty feet long.' The Bhaiṣajyaguru Sūtra states: 'Forty-nine feet.' They are fully made of variegated silks of the five colours, used to protect the country, prolong life, avert obstacles, and eliminate disasters, suspended on dragon hooks and hung from phoenix pillars. Even if the Daoists possessed them, since the doctrines are different, the manufacture of banners would also differ; their colours should not be without distinction and their dimensions should not be identical. The Ullambana Sūtra says: 'On the fifteenth day of the seventh month, at the time of the saṅgha's pravāraṇā, those who present offerings in basins are able to rescue their parents of seven lifetimes from suffering.' Lately I have seen Daoist masters in various prefectures also practicing this method. Is this not an improper usurpation?