法苑珠林 20.60

20.60

Furthermore, the Āgamas say: The two elbows, the two knees, and the crown of the head touching [the ground] constitute the five wheels. 'Wheel' means a round aspect; all five parts are round, and they are capable of turning up and down to produce merit; because turning much [generates merit], they are called wheels. Nowadays, when Western monks pay homage, many lift their robes, bare their knees, and first place them on the ground; afterwards, they press their elbows to the ground, with both palms upturned to show the posture of receiving the feet. If the venerable one in front sits cross-legged without dangling his feet, one acts according to circumstances and does not need to receive the feet. Nowadays, when we see people paying homage, their two hands press the ground, their two feet remain braced behind, and their heads do not touch the ground; this too is contrary and arrogant. Once one knows the ritual of placing the five wheels on the ground, one must know the posture of kneeling on the right knee in the barbarian kneeling manner (hūgui). The sūtras frequently describe kneeling in the barbarian manner; kneeling in the barbarian manner and kneeling upright are both Indian rituals of respect and are not to be wondered at. It is kneeling on the ground alternating between the left and right knees, a ritual for making requests and repenting transgressions.