勅修百丈清規 2.76

2.76

When a donor arrives at the gate, the guest master receives him and leads him up to the abbot's quarters, presents tea and hot water, and escorts him to his lodging. If it is a noble official or a great donor, the bell should be struck to assemble the community to welcome him at the gate, and after he is settled in his lodging, the donor then invites the administrators to consult, and together they go up to the abbot's quarters, light incense, and bowing, request an ascent of the hall. When the day comes, the dharma seat is arranged, a seat for the donor is set up in front of the seat, and the placard for ascending the hall is hung. Notice is given to the community, and the drum is struck to assemble the community. The guest master, together with the donor, goes up to the abbot's quarters to invite the abbot; they must prepare hand censers, lamps, banners, cymbals, and gongs according to ritual, and escort him to the front of the seat, where he ascends the seat and sits cross-legged. The donor makes prostrations before the seat, and the guest master greets him with folded hands and leads him to his seat to listen to the Dharma (if [the abbot] merely receives the prostrations while seated, that would be showing disrespect to the Dharma). Descending from the seat, thanks are offered with prostrations. If he feasts the monks, he must consult and decide with the administrators on the ingredients and expenses for the meal. The karmadāna draws up the numbers of monks and postulants, and the monetary offerings are distributed equally according to their numbers. A donor's seat is set up inside the Sangha hall, parting company with the abbot. When the meal is finished, the administrators accompany the donor to stand briefly in front of the Sangha hall, waiting for the head seat to lead the assembly out of the hall to express thanks. Next, the abbot and administrators go to the guest quarters to express thanks. If someone sends money to feast the monks, the abbot charges the administrators with it; they must use the entire amount to manage the offerings and gifts, strictly taking care not to divert funds for other uses, mindful that cause and effect are distinct and inescapable.