Shang Feng Bai Su – Injure morals and corrupt customs

Idiom Story:

During the reign of Emperor Xuan Zong of the Tang Dynasty, Buddhism flourished in China, with even the emperor being a devout follower. One day, he welcomed a relic, said to be a bone of Sakyamuni Buddha, into the palace for worship. Han Yu, a prominent scholar and official, opposed this practice and wrote an essay titled 《论佛骨表》 to persuade the emperor against it.

In his essay, Han Yu argued that Buddhism was a foreign religion that had no roots in ancient China. He pointed out that ancient sages like Yao, Shun, and Yu managed their states well without any knowledge of Buddhism. He noted that these leaders ruled for extended periods and lived long lives, unlike the later dynasties that embraced Buddhism, such as the Southern Dynasties and the Northern Wei, which experienced shorter reigns.

Using Liang Wudi (the Emperor of Liang) as an example, Han Yu recounted how he abandoned ancestral sacrifices, adopted a vegetarian lifestyle, and even became a monk three times, yet ultimately met a tragic fate at the hands of rebels. Han Yu warned that the emperor’s actions—welcoming the relic and encouraging nobles and officials to donate wealth—could lead to excessive fanaticism among the ignorant populace, with some even harming themselves in misguided devotion.

He concluded that such behavior was a serious issue that could be ridiculed and mocked throughout society. Han Yu strongly suggested that instead of venerating the relic, it would be better to dispose of it in water or fire, emphasizing the potential harm to social morals caused by such practices.

This story exemplifies the idiom “伤风败俗,” highlighting the importance of maintaining proper social conduct and the consequences of actions that undermine moral values.