法苑珠林 55.43

55.43

The Deluded Heterodox asked: “I have heard that Śākya was born in India and the sūtras originated among the western foreigners. Their names were never handed down by the Duke of Zhou or Confucius; their merits and virtues were never praised in the ancient canons and plans. Truly they are what distant barbarians revere, not teachers and scholars of China. Vihāras and grand mansions are built on a vast scale facing the main thoroughfares, vainly expending gold and silk; where are the blessings and benefits in this? It would be better to melt down the statues and cease carving and casting, so that currency suffers no loss; to destroy the scriptures to ban their copying, and to defrock the saṃgha to return them to the household registers. I venture to say this would enrich the state, benefit the people, prosper households, and bring abundant good fortune.”