四分律刪繁補闕行事鈔 1.470

1.470

Seventh, explaining the invitation of the upoṣadha-reciting master. The Buddha ordered that the sthavira recite the precepts; even if someone else was specifically appointed beforehand, one must ultimately invite the former first. One should go before the sthavira, fully cultivate īryāpatha, join palms, and announce: 'May the venerable one be compassionate, and recite the precepts for the saṃgha!' If he is capable of reciting: 'This matter of reciting the precepts properly falls to me,' and he immediately announces it. If he is incapable, he says: 'Reciting these precepts should indeed fall to me, so-and-so; but due to old age and illness, my words are turgid and sluggish, and I fear disturbing the assembly of monks. Let the next seated monk recite.' Then one goes to the next seated monk and invites him as before. If he declines and will not recite, one should go to the sthavira and say: 'The next seated monk also declines as incapable.' If the sthavira knows in advance someone who recites fluently, he should tell the karmadāna to go to so-and-so's place and say: 'The saṃgha has appointed you to recite the precepts.' That person goes before him, fully relates this, and returns to the place of striking the silence-block to state the announcement. If the next seated monk is incapable, one need not ask down the line in sequence; according to the Mahāsāṃghika above, one goes only as far as the next seated monk. He should announce to the saṃgha: 'May the venerable saṃgha listen! The saṃgha has appointed Vinaya Master so-and-so to chant the Vinaya for the saṃgha; with Brahmā sounds, so-and-so, the Vinaya Master, ascends the high seat.' He should observe proper deportment, go into the midst of the saṃgha, bow to the saṃgha on all four sides, kneel on one knee, and state: 'I, junior bhikṣu so-and-so, bow my head in reverent homage, respectfully addressing the assembly of monks: the saṃgha has appointed me to chant the Vinaya; fearing there may be errors, I request that those who chant along with me instruct and guide me.' Having stated this, he makes one prostration and ascends the seat.