勅修百丈清規 3.7

3.7

When the special envoy arrives at that monastery, he first meets the guest master, and together they go to the storehouse, where he is received and accommodated. Next, he meets the prefects and the various dormitories, and goes to the attendant quarters to report in detail the reason for his visit. The attendant reports this to the abbot to await his approval or refusal. If he accepts the invitation, then table covers are laid out, the proclamation and letter of invitation are placed thereon, and the two ranks are notified to arrive. They enter to invite the abbot to come forth. The special envoy greets him with folded hands (and invites him to sit cross-legged). The abbot stands in the centre. The special envoy inserts incense, fully unfolds his mat, makes three prostrations, steps forward, and says: 'Having received the command of my monastery, I have ventured to put your venerable presence to inconvenience in order to attend upon your compassionate countenance. My humble sentiments are exceedingly filled with boundless gratitude.' He makes another three prostrations and recites: 'In this present season and hour, I respectfully wish together that the newly appointed hall head great upādhyāya may enjoy myriads of blessings in health and daily life.' He makes another three prostrations and collects his niṣīdana. The abbot returns each with a prostration, saying: 'Undeservedly receiving the invitation, I bring blemish to the ancestral lineage; moreover, having troubled you to come from afar, I am exceedingly moved by deep gratitude.' The special envoy presents the proclamation, letter of invitation, and letters of inquiry. The abbot receives them and places them on the table, opens the letters and proclamation, and reads through them. The attendant bows him to his seat (the special envoy sits opposite the abbot; the west hall temporarily yields down by one seat to defer to the distant guest). When the tea is finished, together with the two ranks they escort him to the guest quarters. The hall office postulant strikes the Sangha hall bell, and the great assembly goes to the abbot's quarters to offer congratulations. The storehouse prepares incense. The head seat and administrators each insert incense and initially unfold their mats, saying: 'The Dharma door is most fortunate. Having heard of your glorious promotion, joy stirs the monastic grove. Our humble sentiments are filled with boundless exultation.' Unfolding their mats again, they say: 'In this present season and hour, we respectfully wish together that the newly appointed great upādhyāya in the hall of such-and-such place may enjoy myriads of blessings in health and daily life.' They make three prostrations touching the mat. The abbot returns one prostration, saying: 'Reflecting on my own carelessness and inadequacy, I have accidentally received this selection. Having caused you excessive trouble to offer congratulations, I am exceedingly ashamed.' The assembly disperses, and the guest master leads the special envoy on a round of the dormitories. Afterward, he presents in order the register of essential information, the welcoming retinue, and the utensils of his monastery. That evening, special hospitality of hot water and the evening meal is offered, and at night hot water and fruit are served; the two ranks and retired officers are invited to grace the gathering, with the storehouse making the arrangements.