釋氏要覽 3.257

3.257

The Vinaya has the [category of] property belonging to the Saṃgha of the four directions. The Chao states it is permanently residing property of the ten directions. A master explained: "'Four' subsumes the directional quarters; 'ten' encompasses both ordinary and noble." This means that the property possessed by this one dwelling place, although confined to a single boundary, fundamentally belongs to the entire Saṃgha of the ten directions. Whoever arrives to stay there, whether ordinary or noble, near or distant, those who come are not rejected, and those who leave are not hindered. The elders and monastic officers never use disciples of the local monastery; they choose only those with the eye of the Way and virtuous practice from the sea-like assembly of the ten directions and invite them to become elders. Residing in the main quarters, they expound the Dharma and instruct people morning and evening. If there are those with capability, who fear cause and effect, and have a mind for the Way, making them suitable to serve as officers, the ghaṇṭī is sounded to assemble the community and invite them. Once installed in their positions, if their virtue and the Way are not genuine, their ability and strength are worthless, or their conduct is corrupt and evil, they are also made to bow and withdraw before the assembly, and other capable people are invited. For the ordination of disciples, there is only the one elder; the other monks do not individually ordain others. If there is monastic business, all work together on it, which is called 'each lending a hand.' If there are offerings and requisites, all share them equally. Therefore, it is called the 'ten-direction abbotship.'"