伤风败俗 — “To corrupt public morals”

The idiom "Shang Feng Bai Su" (伤风败俗) originates from Han Yu's "Memorial on the Buddha's Bone" (论佛骨表) during the Tang Dynasty. During the reign of Emperor Xianzong, Buddhism was flourishing, and the emperor himself was a devout believer. On one occasion, Xianzong brought a purported relic of Sakyamuni Buddha into the palace for worship.

Han Yu strongly opposed this practice and submitted his famous "Memorial on the Buddha's Bone" to the emperor, attempting to dissuade him. In his memorial, Han Yu argued that Buddhism was a foreign religion, unknown to ancient Chinese sages like Yao, Shun, and Yu, who nevertheless governed their states excellently and lived long lives. He pointed out that Buddhism only entered China during the Eastern Han Dynasty, and subsequent dynasties that fervently embraced it, such as the Song, Qi, Liang, Chen, and Northern Wei after its division, all had short lifespans.

Han Yu cited Emperor Wu of Liang as an example; despite his extreme devotion, abstaining from meat, and even becoming a monk three times, he was ultimately besieged by rebels and starved to death. He sought Buddha's protection but met a tragic end.

Han Yu criticized Xianzong's actions, stating that bringing the Buddha's bone into the palace caused nobles to spend lavishly and ignorant commoners to even burn themselves as a sign of piety. He warned that such behavior was "corrupting public morals" and would become a laughingstock everywhere, which was no small matter.

Han Yu concluded that the Buddha's bone should be thrown into water or fire.