勅修百丈清規 4.13

4.13

imperial edicts and golden rescripts, the abbot would draw up a memorial of thanks; when showing extinction, there would be a testamentary memorial; or when bestowed with gifts or inquiries, memorials would be presented in reply. Yet the abbot is devoted solely to handling the Great Dharma and does not attend to literary tasks. Taking the title of ‘adjutant of the recording chamber’ from the military commander's headquarters, the Chan groves specially invited a scribe to manage this duty. Yet they still retained the clerk, placing him among the attendants to manage private correspondence in the abbot’s quarters, known as the ‘inner recorder.’ Those who became renowned in this post began with Master Huanglong Nan. Furthermore, Ancestor Dongshan Yan appointed Master Foyan Yuan to this post, intending to spur him with the title to master secular texts as well, thereby aiding the waves of his Dharma ocean; and the late Dahui also once filled it. All who occupy this office should take these three great elders as their model.