勅修百丈清規 3.25

3.25

The one who accepted the invitation has his attendant, together with the special envoy, go in advance to the abbot's quarters to report and request the loan of the dharma seat to ascend the hall and take leave of the assembly. The seat is not furnished. To the left, the abbot's seat is arranged. The drum is struck to assemble the community. The abbot comes out and takes his seat. The one who accepted the invitation goes directly before the abbot to greet him with folded hands, and next pays homage with folded hands to the great assembly. He ascends the seat, delivers his discourse, and when finished, descends from the seat. He first takes leave of the abbot with three prostrations touching the mat. Next, facing the dharma seat, he takes leave of the assembly with three universal prostrations touching the mat. At the doorway facing inward, a special seat is arranged in the middle to serve tea and soup. The two ranks and retired officers serve as companions. The senior administrator performs the ritual in the same manner as for the incumbent [abbot]. The great bell is struck to see him off. For a west hall [elder] or prefect of lower rank, there is no ascending the hall to take leave of the assembly. When about to depart, he first goes up to the abbot's quarters together with the special envoy, places incense [in the burner], makes three prostrations touching the mat to announce his departure, and next goes around the dormitories to say farewell. The tea and soup ritual at the monastery gate is the same as before.