勅修百丈清規 5.95

5.95

The guest-inviting attendant writes the tea invitation using two-character names according to ordination seniority (the model appears below). Early in the morning on that day, at face-washing time, tables, brushes, and inkstones are prepared and set out in the illuminating hall. The invited guests write beneath their names, saying: '(So-and-so respectfully bows to your honorable command).' If there are noted figures from the various quarters hanging up their packs, their names are also written into the tea invitation according to ordination seniority. On the previous day, the guest prefect of the abbot's quarters first takes the invitation to request their signatures. The attendant directs the guest prefect to list their names according to ordination seniority and write the special hospitality placard, either as four folds or six folds. The head seat serves as the radiant companion. Noted figures from the various quarters must take the seat facing opposite the abbot; if there is any differing opinion, the one among the noted figures with the highest ordination seniority is put forward to sit there. The senior trainee sits opposite the radiant companion; this is because those escorted in have already thanked [the abbot] for their couch places, and here they are merely attending tea together. When the day arrives, after the midday meal the drum is sounded to assemble the community. The attendant bows with folded hands to invite them in. The abbot meets them and greets them with folded hands; next, he greets the radiant companions with folded hands. Each returns to his position and stands firm according to the display placard. The incense-burning attendant and guest-inviting attendant divide into the head positions on the left and right, perform the courtesies, make the circuit bowing with folded hands to invite them to sit, invite them to incense, invite them to tea, burn incense for the radiant companions, and the drum is sounded to disperse from the seats—all being the same as the ritual for the decoction ceremony of the small assembly on the four seasonal festivals. Those receiving special hospitality lead the assembly to stand in line and give thanks for the tea. At the first unfolding [of the mat], they say: '(On this day we have again been favored with the decoction and offering [of tea]; we offer this special bow in thanks. Deep in our hearts, we are exceedingly grateful).' At the second unfolding, they say: '(At this present season, we respectfully inquire: may the hall head upādhyāya's revered health and daily life be blessed with abundant happiness).' Stepping back, they make three prostrations touching the mat and withdraw. On the next day, the monastery storehouse guest prefect postulant, using single-character names according to ordination seniority, prepares the tea invitation and sets it out in front of the communal dormitory to request their signatures. They write, saying: '(So-and-so respectfully complies with your command).' Seats are arranged in the storehouse hall, with the head seat serving as the radiant companion; the storehouse hall clapper is struck, and the senior administrator and karmadāna perform the ritual courtesies. On the day after that, the head seat and various prefects prepare an invitation to request their signatures as before. Seats are arranged in the illuminating hall, with the prior serving as radiant companion; the illuminating hall clapper is struck, and the entire rank performs the ritual courtesies. Alternatively, four or six persons divide the rounds of greeting with folded hands; if there are three or five persons, the head seat burns incense and simply stands in the center. Under the ancient rule, this was conducted over three days; nowadays the various quarters mostly combine them into a single day, borrowing the seats and drum in the abbot's quarters. The prefects and administrators leave the single seat of the abbot vacant, alternating as host and companion positions, the performance of the courtesies being entirely the same. (However, when giving thanks for tea, all must leave their positions together, turn around, greet with folded hands, and express thanks; the recent custom of only the head of the row rising to give thanks is contrary to protocol).