三教平心論 1.7

1.7

I have observed the existence of the Three Teachings in China. Ever since Fuxi drew the eight trigrams, Confucianism began with this. Ever since Laozi composed the Daodejing, Daoism began with this. Ever since Emperor Ming of Han dreamed of the golden man, Buddhism began with this. Such is the sequence of the Three Teachings in China. In general, Confucianism establishes its teaching through rectitude; Daoism establishes its teaching through reverence; Buddhism establishes its teaching through greatness. If we observe their love of life and hatred of killing, they share the same benevolence. In regarding others as oneself, they share the same impartiality. In checking anger, restraining desires, prohibiting faults, and guarding against wrongdoing, they share the same cultivation and conduct. In thundering to awaken the deaf and shining as the sun and moon to enlighten the blind, they share the same civilizing influence. Considered from their coarse traces, the principles under heaven are nothing more than the two paths of good and evil, and the intent of the Three Teachings is nothing other than wishing to bring humanity to return to goodness. Therefore, Emperor Xiaozong composed the Discourse on Tracing the Way, saying: “Treat the mind with Buddhism; treat the body with Daoism; treat the world with Confucianism.” If one truly knows that among mind, body, and world, not one can be left untreated, then how could any of the Three Teachings be left unestablished? Layman Wujin composed the Treatise in Defense of the Dharma, saying: “Confucianism treats the skin; Daoism treats the bloodstream; Buddhism treats the bone marrow.” If one truly knows that among skin, bloodstream, and bone marrow, not one can be left untreated, then how could any of the Three Teachings be left unpracticed?