勅修百丈清規 4.94

4.94

When the entertainment is concluded, the next morning the incense-burning attendant informs the abbot, and directs the guest prefect postulants to prepare the tray, cloth, censer, candles, and incense box. The guest-inviting attendant writes the tea notice (the format is the same as seen previously for the head seat of eminent virtue). He proceeds to the head seat's dormitory, burns incense, makes one prostration touching the mat, and reports, saying, "After the midday meal, the hall head upādhyāya will offer tea in the cloud hall as a special hospitality. We humbly hope you will lower your dignity to attend." The guest prefect informs the assembly, hangs up the tea-offering plaque, and invites the administrators and the general assembly. Those gracing the company arrange their seat-name plaques. The attendants perform the protocol (all the same as the protocol for the four seasonal festivals' special hospitality, except that incense stands are not placed at the four board ends, and there is no circuit of the hall to invite to tea). When the protocol is finished, the cups of the head seat and abbot are collected first. The head seat proceeds directly before the abbot to perform the protocol. At the first unfolding [of the mat], he says, "Today I have received the special favor of this decoction and tea offering, with courtesy and kindness far too generous; my humble feelings cannot withstand the utmost shame and gratitude." At the second unfolding, after exchanging inquiries about health and weather, he makes three prostrations touching the mat. The head seat exits to the front of the hall from behind the sacred monk on the right. The abbot sees him off, returns to his seat, and holds his cup. The attendant finishes burning the incense for the accompanying guests and collects the cups. The drum is struck three times to dismiss the seats. The head seat waits for the abbot in the lower bay of the dharma hall to thank him for the tea.