Influenced by Buddhism,Emperor Wu of Liang initiated a reform of replacing the traditional offering of livestock in Confucian Rituals by vegetables.This reform got to be rational and served as a prelude to the"Abstinence from Wine and Meat"(《斷酒肉文》)and the vegetarian movement within the monastic community.The rationality and acceptance of this reform were due to Emperor Wu's strategic incorporation into a series of Confucian ritual reforms characterized by"utmost respect without formality"and"valuing sincerity and substance."Furthermore,he found support in the ideological resources of the I Ching and Zuo Zhuan.The Buddhist discourses did not penetrate the Confucian ritual reform.Only the implied presence of the monastic influence through Liu Xie's status imperfection suggests the existence of the monastic power.As a"Human King",Emperor Wu demonstrated the self-awareness and capability of manifesting Confucianism while concealing Buddhism,which is an important cornerstone for his transition to a"Dharma King".
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