鐔津文集 2.23

2.23

僧置正而秩比侍中。何謂也。置正非古也。其姚秦之所始也。置正可也。置秩不可也。僧也者委榮利以勝德高世者也。豈預寵祿乎。與僧比秩。不亦造端引後世之競勢乎。道䂮不明。不知窒其漸。道䂮之過也。夫僧也者出於戒定慧者也。夫正也者出於誠明者也僧非誠明。孰能誠戒誠定誠慧也。不誠乎戒定慧則吾不知其所以為正也。宋齊梁陳四代亦㳂秦而置正。二魏高齊後周革秦之制而置統。隋承乎周亦置之統。唐革隋則罷統而置錄。國朝㳂唐之制。二京則置錄。列郡則置正。夫古今㳂革雖異。而所尸一也。天下難於得人。而古今皆然。果得其正則吾人庶幾無邪也。慎之乎慎之乎。難其人乎。

Monastic Rectors were established with a rank equal to Palace Attendants. What does this mean? Establishing Rectors was not ancient practice; it began with the Yao Qin. Establishing Rectors is permissible, but establishing an official rank is not permissible. Monks are those who cast aside honor and profit to surpass the world through superior virtue; how could they take part in imperial favors and stipends? In giving monks official ranks, does one not initiate and lead later generations into competing for power? Daoxie was not enlightened and did not know how to nip this development in the bud; this was Daoxie's fault. Now, monks are those who arise from precepts, samādhi, and wisdom. Rectors are those who arise from sincerity and illumination. If a monk is not sincere and illuminated, who can be truly firm in precepts, truly firm in samādhi, and truly firm in wisdom? If one is not sincere in precepts, samādhi, and wisdom, then I do not know how he can serve as a Rector. The four dynasties of Song, Qi, Liang, and Chen also followed Qin in establishing Rectors. The Two Wei, Northern Qi, and Later Zhou reformed the Qin system and established Directors (tong). The Sui succeeded the Zhou and likewise established Directors. The Tang reformed the Sui, abolishing Directors and establishing Registrars (lu). Our current dynasty followed the Tang system: in the two capitals it established Registrars, and in the various commanderies it established Rectors. Although the continuations and reforms of ancient and modern times differ, that which they preside over is one. It is difficult to find the right people throughout the world, and this has been so in both ancient and modern times. If one truly obtains those who are upright, then our people will be virtually free of corruption. Be prudent! Be prudent! How difficult to find the right people!