勅修百丈清規 2.43

2.43

Whenever the assembly is gathered for guidance, it is called 'instruction.' The ancients disciplined their disciples, having them inquire morning and evening, never failing to invigorate this Way; thus, each evening there was surely instruction at the late afternoon hour. Even today, the grove's seated instruction is like ascending the seat for the new and full moon and five-and-ten instructions, where the assembly sits in the hall when about to hear the Dharma (detailed in the Chapter on Praying for Blessings). If the abbot does not hold instruction in the evening, the hall postulant receives the abbot's order to report to the head seat, and strikes the Sangha hall bell three times, which is called the 'bell for releasing instruction.' If the abbot enters the monastery, or officials and donors visit the mountain, or he receives a special request, or gives guidance for the deceased, or on the four festivals and year-end, it is moved to the striking of the dusk bell and called 'minor instruction.' One may address worldly courtesies; this is what is called 'family instruction.' However, the bell for releasing instruction is also not struck, meaning that there is still instruction.