An Imperial Edict: I consider that the three teachings—Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism—enlighten the people within the realm. Their principles originate from the same source, and their ways run parallel without conflict. It is only because people fail to see through to their essential unity that minds differ and views diverge. Those devoted to the Daoist path claim Buddhism is not as venerable as Daoism; those inclined toward Buddhism say Daoism is not as great as Buddhism. Meanwhile, Confucian scholars reject both as heterodoxies. Harboring private biases, they contend and strive for supremacy, refusing to yield to one another.

My view on upholding the three teachings is simply to seek their balance. If balance can be attained, then externally we may overlook differences in form, while internally we realize the sameness of their inherent principles—and thus understand that the three teachings originally shared no divergent aim. All, without exception, wish to guide people toward goodness. Consider the Buddhist five precepts and ten wholesome deeds: they lead people toward goodness. Our Confucian five constant virtues and hundred conducts—do they not also encourage and guide, every one of them drawing people toward goodness?

In the past, Emperor Wen of the Song Dynasty asked his attendant He Shangzhi, "The Six Classics fundamentally serve to aid common customs. But if one seeks the essential truth of spiritual nature, then Buddhist scriptures serve as the guide. If all the people within our territory were transformed by this teaching, I could sit back and achieve peace." He Shangzhi replied, "In a village of a hundred families, if ten people uphold the five precepts, then ten become honest and careful. In a town of a thousand households, if a hundred people practice the ten wholesome deeds, then a hundred live in harmony. Extend this moral influence throughout the land, and among millions of registered households, there will be millions of humane individuals. For every good deed performed, one evil is removed; with every evil removed, one punishment ceases. If one punishment ceases within a family, then ten thousand punishments cease within the state. Truly, one may sit with folded sleeves and bring about peace."

These words show that encouraging goodness is the essential way to govern the world. And the transformation Buddhism works—curbing greed and stinginess, guiding the virtuous—its purpose too is rooted herein. If one believes and follows it, it can indeed shape customs and instruct the masses, becoming a great aid in serving the ruler and benefiting the people. As for those who arbitrarily slander it, recklessly labeling it as the way of Yang Zhu or Mozi—such talk comes from those who have never truly seen its face; it is blind speech, missing the mark entirely.

By Special Edict.

February 15th, in the eleventh year of the Yongzheng reign.