釋氏要覽 2.9

2.9

The Erya states: Xun means speech. ○ The Shanjian [lü piposha] states: When a bhikṣu arrives where the Buddha is, he greets and inquires, saying, "Are you little afflicted by illness and little troubled, faring in peace and ease?" ○ The Mahāsāṃghika-vinaya states: In paying homage, one must not be like a mute sheep; one should exchange greetings. ○ The Bodhisattvabhūmi states: One should comfort with a relaxed expression, speak first with a level gaze, harmonious countenance, and right mindfulness, offering greetings before them. ○ The Seng shilüe states: When bhikṣus meet and say "shen" [inquiring respectfully], this is called greeting and inquiring. In the Vinaya text, when an inferior inquires of a superior, he says, "Inquiring respectfully: Are you little afflicted by illness and little troubled, light and agile in daily life?" If a superior comforts an inferior, he says, "Inquiring respectfully: Are you free of illness and free of trouble? Is almsfood easily obtained? Is your dwelling free of evil companions?" Later people condensed these words and merely said "shen," which much resembles a truncated saying. One must distinctly say the words of respectful inquiry; only then does it constitute proper etiquette.