法苑珠林 55.40

55.40

He also asked, 'Can Kong Qiu and Li Lao be compared with the Buddha?' Ze said, 'Your servant has heard that Lord Kong of Lu possessed exceptional talent and born excellence, with sagely virtue beyond the ordinary. The world called him the Uncrowned King. He authored and compiled classics to instruct and encourage the way of the Zhou, converting later generations; the style of his scholar-teachers has enriched past and present. There were also recluses such as Xu Chengzi, Yuan Yangzi, Zhuangzi, Laozi, and the like; the writings of the hundred schools all focused on cultivating oneself and self-indulgence, giving free rein to their minds in mountains and valleys. Their study tended toward tranquil detachment, yet their conduct violated the human relations of elder and junior status, nor was it a style to pacify customs and transform the people. When it came to Emperor Jing of the Han, because the doctrinal essence of Master Huang and Master Lao was especially profound, he changed their works from "masters" to "classics", and first established Daoist learning, commanding that all in the court and countryside recite them. If one compares the two teachings of Confucius and Laozi with the Buddha-Dharma, they fall far short. Why is this so? The two teachings of Confucius and Laozi model themselves upon Heaven in instituting practice, not daring to contravene Heaven. But when the Buddhas set forth the teachings, the laws of Heaven are practiced in obedience to them, not daring to contravene the Buddha. Speaking from this perspective, they are truly not comparable.' (Seeing today their petitions and sacrificial offerings, they resemble secular spirit sacrifices, setting out wine, dried meat, chess, and zithers.) The Lord of Wu was greatly pleased and appointed Ze as Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince.