勅修百丈清規 5.67

5.67

Generally, in the sleeping hall, an interview chair must be set out to show respect for the teacher's Way. When receiving newly arrived monks, the abbot should occupy the central seat, having them insert incense and unfold their mats in ceremony; for him to receive tea sitting slightly to the side causes no loss of etiquette. Nowadays in the north, it is still practiced like this. In these times, when newly learned novice monks have only just entered the assembly, they immediately share seats and stand on equal terms with the experienced virtues of great monasteries, regarding it as routine. Following such habits forms an abuse, leading to transgressing ranks and violating proper divisions so as to invite external insults, and the teacher's Way is swept away. If one can respect the teacher, one respects the Dharma; when the Dharma is respected, the monastery's discipline is invigorated. As for the masters of the Western Regions, their disciples revere them like the honor due to ruler and father, fearing only that they will fall short; this can serve as a model for us.