勅修百丈清規 2.63

2.63

The postulant leader goes in advance to the attendants' quarters, inserts incense, makes prostrations, and reports to the attendant to consult and report to the abbot. If the request is granted, the postulant leader strikes the wooden board before the postulants' hall to assemble the community, lining up in the bed chamber. The postulant leader accompanies the attendant inside to invite the abbot to come out and take his seat. The postulant leader together with the assembly greets with folded hands, advances, inserts incense, steps back, and returns to his position. In a slow voice he calls out: (“How do you do?”). When the assembly finishes responding in a low voice, together they make nine prostrations. The postulant leader advances and says: (“We have long hoped for the upādhyāya's kind permission; we humbly pray that in your compassion you will expound the conditions of the Dharma”). He turns around, greets with folded hands, and withdraws. The next day, the postulants' hall hangs the general discourse board to notify the assembly, and sets up a seat, incense table, and candlesticks. The postulant leader notifies the assembly and invites the two ranks to form rows. The assistant postulant leader leads the community to greet the two ranks at the door and enter the hall. The postulant leader and the dormitory host go to the attendants' quarters together to invite the abbot to descend to the postulants' hall. The assembly welcomes him in and he takes his seat. The attendant greets with folded hands and stands at the side. When the two ranks finish greeting with folded hands, the attendant burns incense and requests the Dharma. The postulant leader leads the community to stand in goose-file, inserts incense, calls the greeting, and makes three prostrations. They withdraw to stand in goose-file behind the eastern and western ranks, respectfully listening to the instruction. When finished, the postulant leader leads the community to line up as before and make three prostrations; they then go outside the door to stand on the right, bowing in farewell to the abbot and the two ranks. Thereafter, they follow to the bed chamber, insert a large piece of incense, make nine prostrations, and withdraw. Next, they go to the attendants' quarters, insert incense, and make three prostrations. The postulant leader and assistant postulant leader go together before the two ranks, bowing in thanks to each one.