翻譯名義集 5.156

5.156

During the Yuanchu era of Emperor An, the Grand Commander Huan Xuan submitted a memorial ordering monks to render homage. The Prefect of the Masters of Writing Huan Qian, Secretariat Director Wang Mi, and others remonstrated, saying: 'Now, although the reverence in the minds of the śramaṇas is profound, they do not take physical prostration as their rite. While their footprints fill all under heaven, their aspirations transcend within the bounds. This is why rulers of foreign states all humble their etiquette before them. It is truly because where the Dao resides, it is revered, and its weight is not judged by the person. When we consider the eastward flow of the Great Dharma, it has indeed been a long time. Though customs shift and governments change, propagating it has not been easy. Is it not because its incomparable transformation has daily use in gradual edification, and its pure and restrained ways are never harmful to flourishing peace?' Huan Xuan also sent a letter to Master Huiyuan; Huiyuan wrote the five-chapter 'Treatise on Śramaṇas Not Paying Homage to Kings' (Shamen bu jing wangzhe lun), and the matter was thereby put to rest. When Emperor An returned to power, he again revered and believed in it.