勅修百丈清規 2.13

2.13

When the day arrives, the spirit tablet is respectfully set up on the Dharma seat and arranged according to the rules, with fragrant flowers, lamps, candles, tea, fruits, and delicacies properly prepared for offering. The karmadāna requests the composing and signing of the address (as in the ceremony for the Buddha's nirvāṇa). On the preceding evening, the hall administrator commands the postulant to notify the assembly and hang the board for sūtra chanting. On the proper day, the bell is struck to assemble the congregation, who stand like a flight of wild geese facing the seat. Awaiting the abbot's arrival, they offer incense, hot decoction, and food, and distribute the offerings. After tea is offered and bows are made, the incense is burned with Dharma words. The karmadāna bows to the ranks and offers incense, and the entire assembly bows together. The abbot kneels before the brazier, reads the address, and chants the dhāraṇī, dedicating the merit as follows: 'May the merit of the sūtra chanting performed above be offered to him who is under August Heaven and above the One Man: Founder of the Teaching, Propagator of Letters, Assistant to Governance, Great Sage, Utmost Virtue, Universally Awakened, True Wisdom, Protector of the State, Wish-Fulfilling, Great Treasure Dharma King, Son of the Buddha from the Western Realm, Imperial Preceptor of the Great Yuan; in gratitude above for his benevolent shade, and to all the Buddhas of the ten directions and the three times, and so forth.'