勅修百丈清規 4.88

4.88

After the herb meal, the guest prefect postulants are ordered to prepare the tray, cloth, censer, and candles. The ranking administrator proceeds to the quarters of the new and former head seats and the former chief prior, burns incense, and speaks these words: "This evening, after the hot water in the abbot's quarters, a special offering of hot water will be held in the monastery storehouse. We humbly hope you will lower your dignities to attend." The guest prefect follows behind and invites them, saying, "After the hot water, please take your seats for the evening meal." He also invites the new and former officers of high and low rank, and further invites the west hall and retired officers to grace the company. The seats are set up and seat-name plaques are arranged. The positions are divided into four ranks: the new prefects in the first rank, the former prefects in the second rank, the former administrators in the third rank, and the estate and storehouse officers in the fourth rank. The new administrators are also arranged according to their rank; only the karmadāna takes his seat. The retired officers who grace the company are seated as in the abbot's quarters. After the hot water in the abbot's quarters is finished, the board of the monastery storehouse is struck. Each stands according to their seat-name plaque. After the chief prior inspects the seats and bows them to their seats, he burns incense, bows with the incense, and, stepping out according to the seating order, makes a circuit greeting them with folded hands. Returning to the center, he burns the incense on the companion tray, returns to his seat, and sits. The hot water is served. When the hot water is finished, he rises, comes forward, goes before the censer to express thanks for the hot water, removes his robe, and takes his seat for the evening meal.