勅修百丈清規 7.90

7.90

Whenever a festival arrives, on the afternoon of the previous day the offerings are solemnly arranged in the Earth God Hall, with incense, candle stands, tables, censers, and vases laid out. The postulant of the hall director's office announces to the community and hangs the chanting board. The clappers are sounded along the corridors, just as on the three and eight days. The community gathers and stands in ranks facing each other like wild geese. The abbot first goes to the Patriarchs Hall and then to the Main Hall, burning incense and making three prostrations. The large wooden clapper is struck three times, and the great bell is sounded. When the abbot arrives (the community bows their heads and joins their palms to welcome the abbot; the attendants follow behind, merely holding their hands clasped over the chest as they pass), he burns incense and returns to his position. The postulant strikes the cymbals, the karmadāna steps forward, bows to the ranks, and presents incense. When this is finished, the chanting and dedication are performed (see below).