勅修百丈清規 4.33

4.33

The ancient rules established only the prior. Later, because monasteries grew broad and assemblies numerous, the chief prior was added to oversee general affairs. Morning and evening he diligently attends to the incense and lamps, receives officials and benefactors, audits account books, and oversees receipts and disbursements of money and grain, always keeping the annual budget in surplus. Revering the abbot and cherishing the assembly, in all matters he must confer together and report to the abbot before acting. He instructs the postulants and servants without reckless whipping or beating. Even when punishment or expulsion is called for, he must also report, deliberate, weigh circumstances, and issue warnings, never indulging in tyranny that stirs up upheavals and lawsuits. In appointing duties for manors and storehouses, he must be fair and impartial, never employing personal cliques to incur resentment between superiors and inferiors. Formerly, when the monastic groves flourished, the west hall, head seat, or scribe was often invited to fill this office, and the chief prior would likewise fill the role of head seat or scribe. Otherwise, someone of senior monastic age, experienced in affairs, incorruptible, capable, impartial, prudent, and customarily admired by the assembly was required to fill it. Since he seeks no personal gain from public funds, and his path and merit are extraordinary, superiors and inferiors gladly retain him. Even if he remains unchanged for successive years, or is repeatedly invited to serve again, what harm is there in that? Therefore, retired officers in private quarters at any place did not exceed five or six. Below the assistant prior, none returned to the former officers' rank unless they had served three terms; priors did not return to the infirmary hall unless they had served three terms; and chief priors could not reside in private quarters unless they had served three terms. When invited to serve again, the public administration sealed the keys to his original room to avoid suspicion. He must attend the hall for the two meals of porridge and midday meal, so that the conduct of the postulants will naturally be orderly and disciplined. Just as Yangqi assisted Ciming and Shichuang assisted Hongzhi, this can serve as a model.