勅修百丈清規 3.64

3.64

In the event that the abbot should begin to fall seriously ill, he beforehand

invites the dual order officials and the retired officials to examine all his pos-

sessions, which will then be collected in a package and sealed; the articles are

to be kept at the office under a reliable official’s guard up to the time of their

auction. If the abbot has goods to distribute to specific residents and in gen-

eral, he is required to do so impartially. Since a feeling of indebtedness and a

grudge are not identical, one should not create cause for later dispute. If one’s

possessions are meager everything must be arranged as simply and frugally as

possible. The abbot should also instruct his disciples who wear hemp cloth [in

mourning] to refrain from loudly weeping.

The abbot must request the primary seat official to conduct the funeral

rite. Excusing all ritual performances, he orders the rite to be conducted only

with the chanting of the verse of “impermanence,” just as with any other

practitioner’s passing away. No temple funds should be expended, nor should

too much of the practitioners’ time be required. If the abbot has contributed

to the temple, the members of the temple community may remember him

with a sense of love. If he has more than a usual amount in his possession,

the funeral service may be conducted in accordance with this amount. Writ-

ten wills addressed to government officials, patrons, or neighboring temples

and [the abbot’s] relations in Dharma lineage must be delivered.

2. The Written Will

The Letter of Request Concerning One’s Funeral

So-and-so, abbot of the Such-and-such Temple, thanks the assisting

causes of the world. Yet wind and the flame of a candle do not stand

still. Whatever I possess are gifts from donors and are not part of the

temple’s public property. I, therefore, ask the dual order officials to

take all my possessions and request Venerable So-and-so to be in charge

of my funeral rite. The remaining materials must be distributed to the practitioners for their service in chanting sutras. Do not extend the performance of the rite to the point at which an expenditure from the temple’s public fund becomes necessary. May this be kindly understood, and everything be done in the way here described.

Date and year

Abbot, Venerable So-and-so

Format of the Written Will

I. Addressed to the ranking officials:

I have enjoyed your association for some time. I cannot help but recall occasions of meeting and parting [in life]. Succeeding to my present position, pushing and pulling, I have carried it out by a toad’s effort from an insignificant basis. Lightning and dew abruptly disappear. A cloudy mountaintop becomes more and more remote. I dare pray, take care of yourself. Please accept this letter. Omitting the formality.

II. Addressed to the abbots of neighboring temples:

There is no abbot in action. Hence, this temple relies on the light of the neighboring wall for everything. The external world seen in a dream is originally nonexistent. However, I am thankful for the illusion of this world which has been an assisting cause. There is no particular word at the time of departure, except that my mind runs fast. May the sun of the Buddha increase in its brightness and thereby make the tradition ever more vibrant. Please take good care of yourself.

III. Addressed to [the abbot’s] relations in the Dharma lineage:

Because of my insatiable desire I have occupied my present position and have sometimes happened to ignore many friends who share the same instruction in Dharma training, and I regret this matter. Now my lifespan is coming to an end. With respect, I send this letter to convey my wish at my departure: May you brighten the honorable virtue of our common teacher. As to the religious goal, one must exert one’s own

strength and not let his efforts decline. Please take good care of your-

self.

IV. Envelope:

Addressed to

Venerable So-and-so

Title, with Veneration

Respectfully sealed by

Venerable Bhikṣu So-and-so

Such-and-such Temple

3. Laying the Deceased in the Portable Shrine

When the abbot has passed away, his practitioner assistant immediately asks

the guest reception attendant to go to the practice hall and inform the prac-

titioners. Striking the octagonal wooden post once, the attendant announces:

The Venerable Master, abbot of this temple, left this message to the

practitioners: “Wind and fire are separated and can no longer reach one

another.”

He once again strikes the octagonal wooden post. Next, he informs the

members of the various quarters about the event. The attendant of the prac-

tice hall official rings the practice hall bell to assemble the practitioners.

They visit the abbot’s office and, after expressing their condolences, the pri-

mary seat official, the dual order officials, and the retired officials consult

together about writing the obituary notice (format given below) and deliv-

ering it to the neighboring temples. As for the master of the funeral rite, a

request must be made to a renowned senior official of a neighboring temple,

to the abbot of the nearest temple, or to the primary seat official of the home

temple. If a particular person is designated in the will, that person must be

invited in accordance with the will.

The disciples of the deceased and his close followers cleanse the body,