勅修百丈清規 4.8

4.8

The Zuting shiyuan states: “The ‘head seat’ (shouzuo) is the ancient ‘senior seat’ (shangzuo), in Sanskrit sthavira, translated here as ‘senior seat’: first, advanced age; second, noble family; third, having received ordination earlier and having attained the fruits of the path.” Now, what the Chan gate calls the head seat must be filled by choosing one whose own great matter is already settled, whom the community obeys, and who cultivates both virtue and deeds.