勅修百丈清規 4.66

4.66

In the ancient rules there were originally no manor masters or rent collection overseers; only in recent generations have these titles been established. Once these titles were established, a hundred abuses arose: some abbots privately appoint unfit men; some yield to crooked personal gain; some retired officers and executive staff occupy them year after year; some rely on influence to seek appointments; some form cliques to divide appointments; and some wrestle with might to seize appointments. Damaging public interest and harming private integrity, these cases cannot be enumerated. Even if one wishes to rectify them, what can be done? If incorruptible and upright retired officers can assist the abbot in openly selecting and employing candidates, or drawing lots before the assembly to fill them, those filling these offices should take self-restraint as their mindset and serving the assembly as their heart. Neither extorting the tenants nor diminishing the permanent assets, both self and others will be benefited.