國清百錄 1.87

1.87

The sūtra says: For three [periods of] seven days, or seven [periods of] seven days, one should in all cases begin on the six fast days. One should adorn the bodhimaṇḍa, plaster the ground with scented clay, hang various banners and canopies, install a Buddha image facing south, and an Avalokiteśvara image placed separately facing east. Each day, use fresh willow branches and clean water, burn incense, and scatter flowers. The practitioners, numbering ten or fewer, should sit on the ground facing west; if the ground is low and damp, set low-legged platforms. They must take off their pure clothes when leaving or entering, and after bathing, put on pure attire. They should make offerings to the best of their ability every day; if they cannot manage that, there must not be an absence of offerings on the first day. Once settled, each holds an incense burner with a single mind, casts the five limbs to the ground toward the west, and has one with a clear voice chant: