A Good Landlord in the Tang Dynasty: Starting from the Village Chief

Chapter 763 Journey to the West
"Your Majesty, the exam is over."

The Venerable Master Bao Gong stepped forward to report to the Emperor.

"Oh, what was the result?" Li Shimin looked at the group of virtuous men in front of him who had changed into purple robes.

However, among these more than one hundred great virtuous men...
Bao Gong, from the Dazhuangyan Temple, held a particularly special position. He was the first of the Ten Virtuous Men personally recommended by Li Yuan in the second year of the Wude era.

The system of Buddhist officials in the Tang Dynasty was largely the same as that of the Northern Qi Dynasty, except that the Northern Qi Dynasty called it the Zhaoxuan Ten Commands, while the Tang Dynasty called it the Ten Great Virtues.

Bao Gong was only the middle in age among the Ten Virtuous Ones, but with Li Yuan's support, he became the head of the Ten Virtuous Ones, while the other nine were actually his deputies.

Bao Gong is now the abbot of the Dazhuangyan Temple in Chang'an. This temple was originally the Dachanding Temple built by Yang Guang, and was renamed Dazhuangyan Temple during the Wude era.

Bao Gong enjoyed a high reputation in the Buddhist community and served as the head of the Ten Great Eminent Monks for several years, where he still received support.

He took the Lotus Sutra as his foundation, and successively studied the Satyasiddhi Sutra under Master Che, Chan under Master Huixiao, the Dichi Sutra under Master Song, and the Di Lun Sutra under Master Huibu. After Master Huibu's death, he took charge of propagating Buddhism at Qixia Temple and later went to Chang'an.

Bao Gong preached and wrote books in the south. He was proficient in one school of thought but was also well-versed in other schools.

This person, who holds the highest position among the ten virtues,

They have always been dissatisfied with the Three-Tier Cult.

In fact, the mainstream of Buddhist monks in Chang'an today, especially the Ten Great Eminent Monks, are mostly monks from the south who have come north to study Buddhist doctrines. These monks are eminent monks who specialize in the study of Buddhist scriptures and doctrines. The two bans on Buddhism during the Northern Wei and Northern Zhou dynasties caused a large number of monks from the north to migrate south.
This led to the formation of the Southern School of Buddhism, which flourished rapidly in the south. However, during the Sui Dynasty, the south was plunged into war, while Emperor Wen of Sui greatly promoted Buddhism. As a result, many monks from the southern schools of Buddhism fled north, and a large number of eminent monks from the south gathered in Chang'an.

This led to the flourishing of Buddhist studies. Buddhist monks in Chang'an studied the doctrines of the Nirvana Sutra, the Mahayana-samgraha, the Three Treatises, the Lotus Sutra, and the Avatamsaka Sutra, expounding the essential meanings of the Buddhist scriptures and making Sinicized interpretations. They were welcomed by the nobles and common people of Chang'an, and Buddhist studies became famous throughout the country.

Northern monks, however, rarely excelled in doctrinal studies and placed greater emphasis on Chan meditation.

Under Xinxing's leadership, the Three-Tier Sect rose to prominence unexpectedly.
This was a major blow to the traditional Buddhist sect led by the Ten Virtuous Monks, who were mainly doctrinal monks. The conflict between the two sides was deep, and at the end of the Kaihuang era, the court also banned the Three Stages Sect under the impetus of the doctrinal monks.

However, the Three-Tier Sect later made a comeback with even greater momentum.

Now, the emperor has once again confirmed the system of eminent monks and officials centered on the Buddhist monks of the South, and banned the Three Stages of Buddhism, which is exactly what they have been hoping for.

This exam,

The Ten Virtues are very positive.

The eminent monks of the free school all acted as examiners.

They finished their exams quickly.

From Bao Gong down to the monks, the Sanjie Sect was very strict about this exam and would not let anyone off easy.

"Your Majesty, in this examination for monks of the third rank, after several rounds of testing, only one hundred and thirty-six people ultimately passed."

Of the more than 3,000 people, 136 were ultimately selected.
But when the emperor heard that more than a hundred people had been admitted, he still frowned.

He didn't intend to go through so many people. Out of these three thousand-plus people, he only needed to select about thirty, one in a hundred.

After the examinations for the third-rank monks in the temples of Chang'an are completed, the third-rank monks in all the regions will also be reorganized, and at that time, they will be eliminated at a rate of about one in a hundred.

Li Shimin stood up.
Have someone bring the 136 monks who passed the third-level sect exam to the front.
In front of the Mahavira Hall,
Li Shimin solemnly declared, "I take refuge in the Three Jewels, revive the sacred teachings, and wish to share blessings with all under heaven."

"Of course!"

"Nowadays, the monks of the Three Stages Sect have violated the teachings of Zen Master Xinxing, gone astray, and become corrupt and degenerate, which is heartbreaking."

Today, I, along with all of you virtuous gentlemen, will cleanse the Buddhist community and rectify any illegal activities…

Li Shimin decided to add an extra test.
He personally conducted the interviews right in the main hall.

More than a hundred virtuous scholars assisted with the exam.

This palace examination was much more rigorous. It was no longer a matter of choosing three classics or simply copying their meanings; the emperor himself set the questions.
Both written tests and interviews are required, and the background requirements are more stringent.

Then,
After eliminating another hundred people, only thirty-six were finally accepted.

The emperor personally bestowed ordination certificates upon them and granted each of them twenty mu of land as a monastic estate.
These thirty-six monks will be housed in three major temples in Chang'an, with twelve monks in each temple.

Daxingshan Temple, Dachanding Temple, Zongchi Temple
Bao Gong, the abbot of Dazhuangyan Temple, and Hui Yin, the senior monk of the temple, came up and led twelve people. Zhi Zang, the abbot of Daxingshan Temple, and San Gang Ming Shan and Fa Kan also came and led twelve third-level monks.

Jizang and Haizang also led twelve people on behalf of Sojiji Temple.

Temples were also ranked, with the most important being imperial temples dedicated to merit, followed by large temples built by imperial decree.
Zongchi Temple was originally named Chanding Temple and was established by Emperor Wen of Sui for Empress Xian. Dazhuangyan Temple was originally named Dachanding Temple and was established by Emperor Yang of Sui for Emperor Wen. It held the highest status during the Sui Dynasty, even higher than Daxingshan Temple, which was a major temple built by imperial decree.

There were forty-three Three-Tier Sect temples in Chang'an, and many other temples also had Three-Tier Sect members.
This time, Li Shimin took the opportunity to announce that of the more than 3,000 monks of the third rank in Chang'an, only 36 passed the examination, while the remaining more than 3,000 failed and were all forced to return to secular life.

The remaining thirty-six monks were distributed among the three major temples in the capital: Daxingshan Temple, Dazhuangyan Temple, and Zongchi Temple.

The forty-three three-tiered temples in Chang'an were all abolished, as were the three-tiered courtyards of other temples.

Forty-three temples in Chang'an were abolished at once, along with the three-tiered courtyards within several of them.
This is a big move.
But this time,
No one objected.

The monks who studied under Bao Gong,
In order to completely ban the Three Stages Sect, they expressed their support this time. Although this would also be a way to curb and weaken Buddhism, in their view, the Three Stages Sect would cause endless trouble if it were not eliminated.

Now, I'll grit my teeth and clean things up first.

In fact, they wanted to take the opportunity to swallow up the Three Stages Sect and divide up its temples, monks, and endless treasures.

unfortunately,

The imperial court will not loosen its grip on this issue.

The emperor's move against the Three-Tier Sect was swift and decisive; they had no chance to snatch food from the tiger's mouth.

Fortunately, the emperor allocated one-third of the immense wealth of the Three-Tiered Sect's Inexhaustible Treasury for future repairs of Buddhist temples. This money was jointly supervised by the Ministry of Rites and the Ten Great Eminent Monks of the court. Applications were required before use, and funds were disbursed after approval, ensuring that the money could still be used for the temples.

"From now on, our Buddhist teachings must uphold the precepts and cultivate ourselves, and must not fall into depravity. Temples shall manage their affairs according to the Three Cardinal Guides, and monks shall strictly abide by the Vinaya Pitaka!"

"Do not kill, do not steal, do not commit adultery, do not lie, do not drink alcohol, do not adorn your hair with perfume, do not listen to or watch singing and dancing, do not sit on a high and wide bed, do not eat at inappropriate times, and do not hoard gold and silver treasures."

Li Shimin also took the opportunity to announce, "From now on, monks and nuns throughout the land must obtain ordination certificates from the Ministry of Rites and must also take an examination."

“Monks who commit crimes punishable by dissidents or above shall be handed over to the government for punishment in accordance with secular law.”

There was another decree that Li Shimin originally intended to announce, but at Li Yi's urging, he postponed it and did not announce it. This decree was to prohibit monks and nuns from accumulating the eight impure things and to strictly prohibit lending money in the name of the Three Jewels for others to make profits.

The eight unclean things refer to gold, silver, slaves, cattle, sheep, warehouses, sales, and farming.

This is where temples posed the greatest threat to the imperial court.

This is also the core interest of temples today.

The imperial court can crack down on the Three Stages Sect now, but how? The monks, led by the Ten Great Virtuous Ones, are all willing to support it.
But if it spreads beyond the Three-Tier Cult,
That would inevitably provoke a strong backlash. The monasteries' acquisition of land, rampant lending, concealment of large numbers of people, and avoidance of taxes and service all seriously harm national interests.

But you have to eat one bite at a time.
We can't just go all out from the start.

At this stage, wiping out the Three-Tier Sect would be a huge victory.

This time, more than 3,000 monks in Chang'an were forced to return to secular life, and 43 temples were abolished.

There are many more temples of the Three Ranks Sect outside of Chang'an.

After all the cleaning was done,

That would also allow for the clearing out of 10,000 to 20,000 third-rank monks and nuns, as well as a large number of laypeople from third-rank monasteries, tenant farmers, slaves, and so on.
The imperial court could obtain a large amount of land, money, and grain from it.
These fields belonging to the temple could be allocated to the original monks, tenants, etc., and these hidden people could be registered as state households or tenants.

Increase the base number of service members.

It can also serve as a warning to others and curb the current unhealthy trend in Buddhist sects.

Previously, relevant departments of the imperial court conducted a preliminary survey and statistics.

If the Three Ranks Sect is defeated, the imperial court will be able to make a fortune, more than the country's tax revenue over several years.

Not to mention the large number of monks who returned to secular life and the numerous monasteries that concealed the registered population.

This battle
They've already gotten off to a flying start, and won spectacularly.

As for other temples

Don't be fooled by their current success.

Let them enjoy their moment of glory, then we'll start putting them under the spell of the golden headband and slowly tightening the curse on them.

After the excitement,

The emperor returned to the palace.

He pulled Li Yi along in the golden imperial carriage.

"The retired emperor once discussed with me and the ministers a plan to reorganize Buddhist temples. He proposed that by the ninth year of the Wude era at the latest, all monks and Taoists should be screened, and only those with good character should be supported by the state, while the rest should be sent back to their hometowns."

The number of temples and monasteries nationwide was limited; Chang'an was to retain three temples and two monasteries, while each prefecture was to retain only one. At the same time, Taoism was to be prioritized over Buddhism.

Despite Li Yuan's good relationship with Buddhism,

Bao Gong and others were awarded the title of Ten Virtuous Ones.
He also favored Faya and was very close to the Three Orders.

In reality, Li Yuan was fully aware of its dangers, but that was just his style—to use it if he could.

Since he raised his army, he has bestowed generous titles upon his generals and soldiers, and has also generously granted honorary official positions to surrendered soldiers and released them. He has been even more generous in bestowing titles of kings upon the powerful and influential figures from all sides who have submitted to him.

Their attitude towards monks and Taoist priests was naturally quite detached.

But the retired emperor also had a plan in mind.

The monks were simply placed relatively late on the schedule.

Now Li Shimin has taken over this empire

They had already defeated the Turks and had just pacified the last separatist force, Liang Shidu.

This naturally brought forward the plan to rectify the Shamen (Buddhist sect).

"The fact that only three temples and two monasteries are preserved in Chang'an, and only one temple in each prefecture, is still a bit of an overcorrection and not very realistic."

Even the two emperors of Northern Wei and Northern Zhou, who suppressed Buddhism, could not eradicate it completely.

Therefore, it is better to guide than to block.

The imperial court should grasp the general direction and set clear red lines. Let different schools and sects argue among themselves, and even let them debate the three schools of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism.

The key task for the imperial court was to prevent temples from annexing land, concealing population, and engaging in lending activities.

Improving the ordination certificate system would limit the number of monks.

As for the rest, there's no need to worry too much.

"Your Majesty, today at the translation hall of Daxingshan Temple, I saw a young monk named Xuanzang. This monk is very devout; he became a monk at thirteen and received full ordination at twenty-one. He is also very learned."

I chatted with him for a while.
Feeling that the teachings of his various teachers differed and the scriptures were not entirely consistent, he wished to travel west to seek answers and dispel his confusion.

"A journey to the West to seek Buddhist scriptures?"

"Yes, go to India. It is the birthplace of Buddhism and is known as the Buddhist Kingdom."

"Your Majesty, I believe we can support this man and grant him the necessary travel documents. We could even use him to hold a grand and elaborate ceremony."

For example, His Majesty might bestow upon him the title of "Great Virtuous One on the Journey to the West," grant him a purple-gold cassock and a nine-ringed staff, give him some gold and silver for travel expenses, and send some soldiers as his attendants.

He was to be sent to India as an envoy of the imperial court to seek Buddhist scriptures.

Li Shimin knew that Li Yi was resourceful and wouldn't suddenly treat such a young monk this way.

"Is it worth it to bestow the title of 'Great Master of the Journey to the West' upon a young monk in his early twenties, and to make such a fuss about it?"

Li Yi smiled, "If Your Majesty doesn't mind, I would even like to ask Your Majesty to address him as Imperial Brother and bestow upon him the name Sanzang!"

Li Shimin became serious. "Isn't this even more favoritism than the Emperor Emeritus showed to Faya back then?"

"Your Majesty, although the ban on the Three-Tier Sect has the support of the monks of Yixue, this action is still quite significant, and they are still somewhat panicked."

Therefore, it was necessary to use Xuanzang's journey to the West as a pretext to divert the attention of Buddhism. His Majesty could also use this opportunity to show them that he reveres Buddhism and appease them.

"Of course, devout monks like Xuanzang deserve praise and support."

They directly stabbed the Third Order Sect in the back, completely destroying it.

Then, after intimidating other Buddhist sects, they still had to appease them by praising Xuanzang for going to the Western Paradise to obtain scriptures, even calling him the Imperial Brother and bestowing upon him the title of Great Virtue. This was nothing.

"Tomorrow, invite Xuanzang here. After the court assembly, I will hold a court discussion, and all the prime ministers and the ten virtuous monks will listen to him preach the Dharma to me."

If it is indeed as you say, then I am willing to support his journey to the West to obtain Buddhist scriptures.

(End of this chapter)