Cleary, BoS
Introduction: Siddhartha cut off his flesh to give to his parents, yet is not listed in the legends of filial children. Devadatta pushed over a mountain to crush the Buddha, but did he fear the sound of sudden thunder? Having passed through the forest of thorns, and cut down the sandalwood tree, just wait till the year ends--as of old, early spring is still cold. Where is the Buddha's body of reality?
Case: A monk asked Qingyuan, "What is the great meaning of Buddhism?" (A minor official often thinks of the rules.) Qingyuan said, "What is the price of rice in Luling?"(An old general doesn't talk of soldiering.)
Commentary: In 832, during the reign of Emperor Wenzong of the Tang dynasty, Niu Sengru was prime minister; the emperor said to him, "When will the land be at peace?" Sengru replied, "Peaceful government has no special form. Now the surrounding nations are not invading and the farmers are not deserting; although it is not the ultimate order, still it could be called somewhat healthy. If your majesty seeks a great peace beyond this, it is beyond my ability." He withdrew and repeatedly petitioned the emperor to be allowed to retire. He was sent out as the inspector of Huainan. I say, he was already creating a model, drawing a likeness. Therefore, in rustic style, beating the earth and singing folksongs, ritual music and literary embellishment turn into oddities. The price of rice in Luling is extremely profound and mysterious. The virtue of Shun, the benevolence of Yao--their sincerity had natural influence; could festival drinking and village songs be a match for that? The moon is white, the wind is pure--each rests in its own lot. Do you understand? Then return to the hall.
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Peaceful government has no special form;
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Although it is not the ultimate order, still it could be called somewhat healthy.
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If your majesty seeks a great peace beyond this, it is beyond my ability.
Submitted October 31, 2018 at 04:56AM by seigando https://ift.tt/2ETbOlq
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