勅修百丈清規 6.34

6.34

For applying the torch, the abbot must be requested to perform the Buddhist rite. For the other Buddhist rites—locking the casket, lifting the casket, lifting the bones, and placing them in the stūpa—the karmadāna reports to the head seat, and after conferring, they invite the prefects in rotation according to seniority to perform them. A small strip of white paper is used to write an invitation slip, which reads: "The newly deceased Senior Monk So-and-so, a native of Such-and-such Prefecture; Buddhist rite for applying the torch; Bhikṣu So-and-so of the hall administration [invites] the hall head upādhyāya; reverently invited" (the other Buddhist rites are all written following this model). If the deceased is a retired officer of the west hall or an individual dormitory whose robes and bowl are somewhat abundant, then Buddhist rites such as offering tea and soup, turning the casket, and turning the bones are added, and occupants of individual dormitories, west hall elders, head seats, and renowned figures of this monastery or from across the rivers and lakes are invited in rotation. The karmadāna prepares a tray, wrapping cloth, censer, candle, and a piece of incense, takes a postulant to the abbot's quarters, inserts the incense, makes one prostration touching the mat, and reports: "Senior Monk So-and-so has passed away and will be cremated on Such-and-such day; we reverently invite the upādhyāya to apply the torch"; he presents the invitation slip and withdraws. The etiquette for inviting prefects is the same. The hall administration keeps a register of Buddhist rites to check and record the turns of invitation.