From Complete Book of Myths and Legends of China
By Unknown Author
Sun went to look for his uncle. Hearing this, many Buddhist priests surrounded him, hoping to be recognized as his lost relative. After a while he smiled. They asked him the reason. He said: “Why do you make no progress?
Life is not meant for idleness. ” They said: “We cannot do anything. We are terribly oppressed. ” Page 354“What power have your masters? ” “By using their magic they can call up wind or rain.
” “That is a small matter,” said Sun. “What else can they do? ” “They can make the pills of immortality, and change stone into gold.
Sun said: “These are also small matters; many can do the same. How did these Taoists deceive your King? ” “The King attends their prayers night and day, expecting thereby to attain to immortality. ” “Why do you not leave the place? ” “It is impossible, for the King has ordered pictures of us to be hung up everywhere.
In all the numerous prefectures, magistracies, and market-places in Slow-carts Country are pictures of the Buddhist priests, and any official who catches a runaway priest is promoted three degrees, while every non-official receives fifty taels. The proclamation is signed by the King. So you see we are helpless. ” Sun then said: “You might as well die and end it all.
Buddhists As Slaves in Slow-cart Country
Sun went to look for his uncle. Hearing this, many Buddhist priests surrounded him, hoping to be recognized as his lost relative. After a while he smiled. They asked him the reason. He said: “Why do you make no progress?
Life is not meant for idleness. ” They said: “We cannot do anything. We are terribly oppressed. ” Page 354“What power have your masters? ” “By using their magic they can call up wind or rain.
” “That is a small matter,” said Sun. “What else can they do? ” “They can make the pills of immortality, and change stone into gold.
Sun said: “These are also small matters; many can do the same. How did these Taoists deceive your King? ” “The King attends their prayers night and day, expecting thereby to attain to immortality. ” “Why do you not leave the place? ” “It is impossible, for the King has ordered pictures of us to be hung up everywhere.
In all the numerous prefectures, magistracies, and market-places in Slow-carts Country are pictures of the Buddhist priests, and any official who catches a runaway priest is promoted three degrees, while every non-official receives fifty taels. The proclamation is signed by the King. So you see we are helpless. ” Sun then said: “You might as well die and end it all.
Buddhists As Slaves in Slow-cart Country