禪林寶訓 1.27

1.27

遠公曰。住持居上。當謙恭以接下。執事在下。要盡情以奉上。上下既和。則住持之道通矣。居上者驕倨自尊。在下者怠慢自疎。上下之情不通。則住持之道塞矣。古德住持閒暇無事。與學者從容議論靡所不至。由是一言半句載于傳記逮今稱之。其故何哉。一則欲使上情下通。道無壅蔽。二則預知學者才性能否。其於進退之間皆合其宜。自然上下雍肅遐邇歸敬。叢林之興由此致耳（與青華嚴書）。

Master Yuan said: "When an abbot occupies the superior position, he should be modest and respectful in receiving subordinates; when administrators occupy the inferior position, they must be fully devoted in serving the superior. Once superiors and subordinates are harmonious, the way of the abbot succeeds. If the one in the superior position is arrogant, proud, and self-important, and those in the inferior position are negligent, remiss, and estranged, then the feelings of superiors and subordinates do not connect, and the way of the abbot is obstructed. When the virtuous ones of antiquity served as abbots, in their leisure without business, they conversed unhurriedly with students on all matters without exception. Thus even a single word or half a phrase was recorded in the chronicles and praised down to the present day. What was the reason for this? First, they wished to let the sentiments of superiors communicate with subordinates so that the Way would not be blocked or concealed. Second, they wished to know in advance the capacity, nature, and ability of the students, so that their promotion or dismissal would all be appropriate. Naturally, superiors and subordinates were harmonious and reverent, and those near and far returned in respect. The flourishing of the monastic grove was brought about by this." (From A Letter to Qing Huayan).