勅修百丈清規 1.81

1.81

When the day of an imperial demise arrives, on the preceding evening the monastery storehouse notifies the hall office, directing the postulant to report to the abbot and the two ranks, notify the assembly, and hang the sūtra-chanting plaque. Upon the Dharma seat, the imperial throne is installed, and yellow paper is used to write the spirit tablet of the sacred title. Incense, flowers, lamps, candles, tables, and mats are strictly arranged as offerings. When the time comes, the bell of the Sangha hall is struck to gather the assembly to await the arrival of the abbot, who offers incense, tea, and decoction. The karmadāna leads the Śūraṅgama Mantra. After the chanting is concluded, the transference of merit says: ("I, the subject monk so-and-so, abbot and Dharma transmitter of such-and-such monastery in such-and-such prefecture, on such-and-such month and day, reverently encountering the sacred memorial day of such-and-such sovereign, respectfully gather the saṅgha of the entire mountain to chant the Divine Mantra of the Great Buddha's Summit of Ten Thousand Practices of the Śūraṅgama and proclaim the sacred names. May the exceptional benefits thereby gathered assist and adorn the sacred carriage. We humbly pray that the spirit roams through the eight extremities, and as we imagine the cloud chariots and wind horses arriving, it occupies the station in the midst of heaven, enjoying the delights of jade halls and jasper pavilions. Ten directions, three times, and so forth.")