四分律刪繁補闕行事鈔 1.464

1.464

Sixth, explaining the practical affairs of the karmadāna. There should be three to five junior bhikṣus to assist in preparing what is required. Each should fully cultivate their īryāpatha. After the karmadāna takes the scented water and warm water and washes his hands in turn, he carries the scented water and warm water before the sthavira, kneels on one knee, and cleanses the sthavira's palms; then he takes the counters (śalākā) and bathes them, each reciting the verse: 'The arhats and noble saṃgha gather; / the assembly of ordinary beings is harmonious. / Scented warm water bathes the pure counters; / the upoṣadha delivers all sentient beings.' If the sthavira is elderly or does not understand the procedures of the time, the karmadāna himself bathes the counters. As for the remaining pure water and scented warm water, whether much or little, each takes some to distribute it. He directs a junior bhikṣu to carry the water and distribute it, each reciting the verse: 'The water of eight merits purifies all dust; / cleansing the palms removes defilement so the mind is unstained. / Holding fast to the prohibitive precepts without flaw or transgression, / all sentient beings are also like this.' According to the ancient method of Master Daoan, one should hold the top of the hand-cloth with the left hand and the bottom with the right hand when distributing it. As for the karmadāna who holds the counters and announces the proclamation, he orders another person to distribute them; the scented warm water and pure cloth are also handled in this manner. Furthermore, another person is ordered to carry the scented warm water and distribute it, each reciting the verse: 'Scented water bathes and cleanses all defilements; / the Dharma-body is complete, filled with the five portions; / prajñā radiates in full illumination and liberation is fulfilled; / sentient beings meet together, harmoniously blending with the Dharma-realm.' These two verses are each recited before each seat; they must not be spoken all at once. Moreover, the two items of cold and warm water are only to cleanse the palms; there was never any rinsing of the mouth. This often occurs, but it merely originates from foolish old men.