勅修百丈清規 3.62

3.62

If the abbot is old and sick, or mentally and physically exhausted, or if conditions are not favorable, he should naturally know to retire. The funds and property of the permanent assets must be clearly accounted for in registers. The utensils of the abbot's quarters must be checked and handed over, with two identical copies of an inventory drawn up. The abbot, the two ranks, and the retired officers sign and endorse them, stamping them with the monastery seal; the abbot and the monastery storehouse each keep one copy for reference. They jointly request one person to guard the abbot's quarters. On the day of retirement, the abbot ascends the hall, expresses thanks, bids farewell to the assembly, and descends from the rostrum. The drum is struck three times, and he retires. If he remains at the monastery to reside in the East Hall to assist and advise the abbot, he must be treated with full etiquette and warm consideration. When Emperor Lizong of the Song used the vegetable garden of Lingyin Monastery to build a monastery for Consort Yan, Abbot Chijue Chong resigned from the monastery on the very day, carrying his pack and rain hat himself to travel to Mount Lu. An envoy was dispatched to ask him to stay, but he did not return. Such high integrity will endure for thousands of years; who can succeed to it?