勅修百丈清規 2.45

2.45

Minor instruction originally had no fixed location; depending on whether the assembly is large or small, it may be in the sleeping hall or the dharma hall. In the afternoon of the day, the attendant reports to the abbot, saying: 'This evening there is minor instruction.' He orders the guest prefect postulant to inform the assembly and hang the minor instruction notice. That evening the bell for releasing instruction is not struck. When the dusk bell sounds, the postulant reports to the abbot and strikes a round on the drum. The assembly gathers, the two ranks take their places, and the abbot ascends the seat (the same as ascending the hall for five-and-ten instruction). He raises the guidelines, offers thanks with detailed thoroughness, and then cites an ancient case. In concluding the session, as at the four festivals, he announces appointments of prefects, holding the whisk, and declarations of exemption from ritual decorum, providing details so the assembly is fully informed. Stepping down from the seat, the guest prefect postulant calls out an invitation: 'The hall head upādhyāya invites the west hall, both ranks, the single-dormitory seniors, the infirmary hall, attendants, and Chan travelers to right now partake of broth in the sleeping hall.' The monastery storehouse prepares broth and fruit in advance and sends them up to the abbot's quarters.