法苑珠林 55.55

55.55

Great Tang, generation after generation has prohibited seductive words, and place after place has banned illicit sacrifices. How could they allow the abandonment of their wealth and labor, and release their subjects, to erect halls and stūpas for mountain demons and join the disciples of water sprites? Furthermore, the emperors, ministers, capped nobility, and ordinary people of antiquity all received the teachings and took refuge in them, setting their minds on honoring and believing in them. How could they honor bogeys and serve enchantments to humiliate themselves? This was truly because they saw the marvelous and knew the true, which made them do so. Bright rulers and worthy ministers contemplated his virtue; all the gentlemen reflected on his words; great beings and eminent monks yearned for his principles. Across the generations, they treasured it as the great instruction, a model for ordinary and holy, a guide for humans and devas. Its principles exhaust the ultimate subtleties; its blessings equal true salvation. What sage could surpass it? What path could be added to it? Instead of being grateful for this benevolence, you utter mad words!”