諸經要集 3.40

3.40

The author states: According to [the custom in] the Western Regions, whenever men or women arrive at a saṅghārāma, having reached outside the monastery gate, they rejoice in what they have encountered. First, they tidy their clothes and make a general prostration. Having entered the monastery gate, they make another prostration. Then they advance straight forward with calm dignity, not looking to the left or right. Therefore, the Nirvāṇa-sūtra says: "There are seven practices for those who go to a monastery: first, generating faith; second, making prostrations; third, listening to the Dharma; fourth, utmost sincerity; fifth, contemplating the meaning; sixth, practicing according to what was taught; seventh, dedicating [the merit] to the Great Vehicle (Mahāyāna). Benefiting and bringing peace to many people, abiding in these seven virtues is supreme and unexcelled, beyond compare."