Standard Observances

of the Soto Zen School

Volume 1: Translation

T. Griffith Foulk

The Administrative Headquarters of Soto Zen Buddhism

(Sōtōshū Shūmuchō)
Tokyo
2010
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© 2010 by Sōtōshū Shūmuchō

The Administrative Headquarters
of Soto Zen Buddhism
All rights reserved. Published 2010.
Printed in Japan

Foulk, T. Griffith

Standard Observances of the Soto Zen School

Volume 1: Translation

1. Religions. 2. Buddhism. 3. Zen Buddhism. 4. Ritual observances. 5. Liturgy

I. Title: Standard Observances of the Soto Zen School
II. Title: Volume 1: Translation
 On the Occasion of Publishing the English Translation of the
Observances of the Soto Zen School (Sotoshu Gyoji Kihan)

This set of procedural guidelines, which reflects a deep faith in abiding by the true
dharma directly transmitted by the buddhas and ancestors, was formally adopt-
ed in the twenty-second year of the Meiji era (1889) as a set of ritual procedures
that should be followed by all priests of our school when engaged in Soto school
observances.
Today, more than a century later, Soto Zen has spread worldwide, and we are faced
with the task of maintaining and standardizing the traditional observances and pro-
cedures followed by the priests of our school who have come to be active all around
the world. The English language edition of this set of procedural guidelines has thus
been long awaited, and now the occasion for publishing it has arrived. I would like
to express my deepest gratitude to everyone involved in the Soto Zen Text Project,
beginning with the members of the editorial board.
With the respectful wish that each and every priest of our school will engage in the
sincere study and actual practice of this set of procedural guidelines, so that the me-
ticulousness of observance that is our school’s style will be enhanced, I salute this
publication.

Auspicious Day, January 2010

Rev. Fuchi Eitoku

Chairperson, Soto Zen Text Project
President, Administrative Headquarters of Soto Zen
 PREFACE

Representing the Editorial Board of the Soto Zen Text Project, I extend my most
cordial greetings.

The springboard for this project was a “Translation Planning Conference for
Soto School Texts and Sutras” that was held at the Administrative Headquarters
of Soto Zen Buddhism in Tokyo in November, 1995. The project got underway
with the basic aim of providing practitioners of Soto Zen and other researchers
with scholarly yet accessible English translations of scriptures held sacred by the
Soto School, in order to spread the teachings of Soto Zen broadly throughout the
world.

The project is thus, at present, entering its fourteenth year. While its main focus
has been on translating the masterworks of our two ancestral teachers, Dōgen’s
Shōbōgenzō (“Treasury of the Eye of the True Dharma”) and Keizan’s Denkōroku
(“Conveying Illumination”), the project’s first publication was a translation of
Sōtōshū nikka gongyō seiten (“Soto School Scriptures for Daily Services and Prac-
tice”), which came out in August, 2001.

Now, moreover, the translation of Sōtōshū gyōji kihan (“Standard Observances of

the Sōtō Zen School”) has been completed and brought to press.

I would like to express my gratitude to the translator of Sōtōshū gyōji kihan, Profes-
sor T. Griffith Foulk, and to Professor Urs App, who contributed his expertise to
the layout and final editing of this publication. My thanks also go to Professors
Carl Bielefeldt, Stanley Weinstein, and William Bodiford for their hard work in
other, related areas of the Soto Zen Text Project.

The Standard Observances presented here are indeed the very foundation of our
practice. Those who implement them should think carefully about how best to put
them to use. On the occasion of this publication, it is my heartfelt wish that it will
prove valuable in a multitude of ways to people in various fields of endeavor.

Gassho,

Otani Tetsuo
Chair, Translation Editorial Board
Soto Zen Text Project
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
C .............................................................................................. XL
A......................................................................................... XLII

PART ONE: REGULAR OBSERVANCES

CHAPTER 1: DAILY OBSERVANCES ........................................... 3
S : D Z ....................................................................... 3
Wake-Up Bell Ringing ................................................................................ 3
Face Washing ............................................................................................... 3
Staffs of Various Quarters Enter Hall ........................................................ 4
Sequence for Entering Hall ......................................................................... 4
Head Seat Tours Hall ................................................................................. 5
Abbot Inspects Platforms ............................................................................ 5
Start of Meditation Period .......................................................................... 6
Kyosaku Procedure ...................................................................................... 6
Dawn Bell .................................................................................................... 8
Hall Monitor Placard Exchange ................................................................ 8
End of Meditation .......................................................................................
Donning Kesa ........................................................................................... 10
S : M S C ........................................ 11
Sequence for Going Up to Buddha Hall .................................................. 11
Abbot Enters Hall .................................................................................... 11
Procedure for Entering Hall ..................................................................... 12
Hall Entering Three Prostrations ............................................................ 12
Sequence of Sutra Chanting Services ....................................................... 13
In-Room Sutra Reading ............................................................................ 14
Dawn Drum .............................................................................................. 14
Procedure for Dispersing from Hall .......................................................... 14
E T  M S C .................................. 15
1. Buddha Hall Sutra Chanting .............................................................. 15
2. Sutra Chanting for Arhats ................................................................. 16
3. Ancestral Teachers Hall Sutra Chanting ........................................... 17
4. Sutra Chanting for Founding and Former Abbots ............................ 17
5. Ancestors Hall Sutra Chanting .......................................................... 18
Diagram of Chanting Places .................................................................. 19
II       

S : M M ............................................................... 20

Extended Gong ........................................................................................ 20
Procedure for Entering Hall ..................................................................... 21
Procedure for Mounting Platform ........................................................... 21
Fish Drum ................................................................................................ 22
Gong for Taking Down Bowls ................................................................. 22
Sounding Drum ........................................................................................ 23
Abbot Goes to Hall ................................................................................... 23
Setting Out Bowls ..................................................................................... 24
Ten Buddha Names ................................................................................. 26
Verses of Food Offering ............................................................................ 28
Announcing Meal ..................................................................................... 29
Procedure for Serving Food ...................................................................... 29
Procedure for Receiving Food ................................................................... 30
Mallet for Completion of Serving Food .................................................... 31
Verse of Five Contemplations .................................................................... 31
Verse of Rice for Spirits ............................................................................ 33
Bowl Raising ............................................................................................. 33
Bowl Washing ........................................................................................... 35
Collection of Rinse Water ........................................................................ 36
Putting Away Bowls ................................................................................. 37
Verse of Purity While Abiding in the World .......................................... 37
Sponsored Meals ....................................................................................... 39
Formal Meal in Administration Hall ..................................................... 40
Diagram of Meal Places in Sangha Hall ................................................ 41
S : A-B C L .................... 42
S : M Z ............................................................. 42
Hanging Placard ....................................................................................... 42
Entering Hall ............................................................................................ 42
Walking Meditation ................................................................................. 43
Fire Gong .................................................................................................. 44
S : M C D I ........ 45
Preparations .............................................................................................. 45
Diagram of Arrangements for Dharma Instruction .............................. 45
Great Assembly Enters Hall .................................................................... 46
Abbot Enters Hall .................................................................................... 46
Starting Lecture ........................................................................................ 46
Dispersing from Hall ................................................................................ 47
    III

S : S C  S G .......................... 47

Eko Text for Sutra Chanting for Stove God ............................................ 47
S : M M B ........................................................ 48
S : M S C ......................................... 48
Eko Text for Midday Sutra Chanting ...................................................... 48
S : M M ................................................................ 49
S : A-M R ............................................... 49
Diagram of Reading Places in Common Quarters ................................. 50
S : A-M D I ................... 51
S : E S C ..................................... 51
Eko Text for Evening Sutra Chanting ...................................................... 52
S : E M .............................................................. 52
S : P  I M ........................ 53
Diagram of Places for Informal Meals .................................................... 54
S : E Z .......................................................... 55
A :
P  A D O ........... 56
Eko Texts for Abbreviated Morning Sutra Chanting ............................ 57
1. Sutra Chanting for Repaying Blessings ................................................ 57
2. Sutra Chanting for All Spirits .............................................................. 58

CHAPTER 2: MONTHLY OBSERVANCES ............................. 59

 1ST DAY OF MONTH  ......................................................................... 59
S : P S C ........................................ 59
Eko Text .................................................................................................... 59
S : S C  T D ............. 60
Eko Text .................................................................................................... 61
S : S C A M S
C ................................................................................................. 62
Preparations .............................................................................................. 62
Acolytes Bow in Gassho ........................................................................... 62
Prefects Bow in Gassho ............................................................................ 62
Stewards Bow in Gassho .......................................................................... 63
IV       

Incense of Requesting Dharma ................................................................ 63

Questions and Answers ............................................................................ 63
Diagram of Small Convocation After Morning Sutra Chanting ........... 64
S : T H  T S .............................. 65
Great Assembly Tours Hall ..................................................................... 65
Abbot Tours Hall ..................................................................................... 65
Stewards Tour Hall .................................................................................. 66
Bow for Taking Seats ............................................................................... 66
Tea Service Bow ....................................................................................... 66
Diagram of Incense Stands for Touring Hall and Tea Service .............. 68
Diagram of Incense Stands for Twelve Platforms ................................... 69
Tea Urging Bow ....................................................................................... 70
Tea Thanks Bow ....................................................................................... 70
Abbot Exits Hall ...................................................................................... 70
S : O  A ................................................. 71
S : O  M O  V ..... 71
Eko Text ..................................................................................................... 72
S : R A  C Q R .......... 72
 3RD DAY OF MONTH  ......................................................................... 73
S : S H R ........................................ 73
Preparations .............................................................................................. 73
Making Rounds of Halls and Offering Incense ....................................... 74
Rector Reads Recitations Text ................................................................. 75
Ten Buddha Names ................................................................................. 75
Abbot Enters Hall .................................................................................... 75
Great Assembly Tours Hall ..................................................................... 76
Stewards Tour Hall .................................................................................. 76
Release from Convocation ........................................................................ 76
Cancellation of Hall Touring ................................................................... 77
Diagram of Sangha Hall Recitations and Recitations Hall Touring .... 78

 4TH DAY OF MONTH  ......................................................................... 79

S : S .............................................................................. 79
Preparations .............................................................................................. 79
Proper Restraint ....................................................................................... 79
    V

S : O B .................................................................. 80

Preparations .............................................................................................. 80
Procedure for Bathing Sacred Monk ....................................................... 80
Sounding Boards in Sequence; Bath Drum ............................................. 81
Procedure for Entering Bath .................................................................... 81
Sponsoring a Bath ..................................................................................... 82
Closing Bath .............................................................................................. 83
S : G M D’ M
M E ......................................................................................... 83
Eko Text .................................................................................................... 83

 5TH DAY OF MONTH  ......................................................................... 84

S : S C  I .................................. 84
Eko Text .................................................................................................... 85
S : G M D’ M M.......... 85
 8TH DAY OF MONTH  ......................................................................... 86
S : S H R ....................................... 86
 9TH DAY OF MONTH  ......................................................................... 87
S : S ............................................................................... 87
S : O B ................................................................. 87
 11TH DAY OF MONTH ....................................................................... 87
S : R A  C Q R .. 87
 13TH DAY OF MONTH ....................................................................... 87
S : S H R ....................................... 87
 14TH DAY OF MONTH  .................................................................... 87
S : S .............................................................................. 87
S : O B ................................................................. 88
S : E C T S .................... 88
Diagram of Places for Abbreviated Tea Service ..................................... 89

 15TH DAY OF MONTH  .................................................................... 90

S : P S C ........................................ 90
VI       

S : S C  T D ........... 90

S : S C A M S
C ................................................................................................. 90
S : T H  T S .............................. 90
S : O  A ................................................. 90
S : O  M O  V ........ 90
S : A C ......................................... 90
Preparations .............................................................................................. 91
Appointing Precept Master ...................................................................... 91
Repentance ................................................................................................ 91
Chanting with Prostrations ...................................................................... 92
Four Universal Vows ................................................................................ 93
Precept Master Mounts Seat ................................................................... 94
Forward and Reverse Water Sprinkling ................................................. 94
Chanting of Precepts Sutra ....................................................................... 95
Three Refuges ............................................................................................ 95
Dedication of Merit .................................................................................. 97

 18TH DAY OF MONTH ....................................................................... 98

S : S H R ....................................... 98
 19TH DAY OF MONTH ....................................................................... 98
S : S .............................................................................. 98
S : O B ................................................................. 98
 21ST DAY OF MONTH  ....................................................................... 98
S : R A  C Q R 98
 23RD DAY OF MONTH  ....................................................................... 99
S : S H R ....................................... 99
 24TH DAY OF MONTH ....................................................................... 99
S : S .............................................................................. 99
S : O B ................................................................. 99
 28TH DAY OF MONTH ....................................................................... 99
    VII

S : S H R ....................................... 99

S : T A’ M M E
(-  ).................................... 100
Eko Text .................................................................................................. 100

 29TH DAY OF MONTH ..................................................................... 101

S : T A’ M M .............. 101
1. Breakfast Offering Sutra Chanting ............................................................ 101
Eko Text ............................................................................................. 101
2. Oblations Sutra Chanting .................................................................. 102
S : S ............................................................................ 102
S : O B ............................................................... 103
 31ST DAY OF MONTH  ..................................................................... 103
S : A C ....................................... 103
S : E C T S .................. 103
APPENDIX .................................................................................................. 104
S : M M  E M’
F A ................................................................................. 104
Eko Text .................................................................................................. 104
Abbreviated Eko Text ............................................................................ 105
S : M M  V M
 F A .......................................................................... 105
Eko Text .................................................................................................. 106
Abbreviated Eko Text ............................................................................ 106
S : P  E A’ R ........ 107
Diagram of Room-Entering .................................................................. 108
S : P  I C ...... 109

CHAPTER 3: ANNUAL OBSERVANCES ............................... 111

 JANUARY 1  ........................................................................................ 111
S : F S ................................................. 111
F C  A ....................................... 112
VIII       

1. Salutation by West Hall Roshi .......................................................... 112

2. Salutations by Stewards ..................................................................... 112
3. Salutations by Prefects ....................................................................... 113
4. Salutations by Dharma Relatives ...................................................... 114
5. Salutations by Disciples, Acolytes, et al. ........................................... 114
Great Assembly’s Formal Congratulations to West Hall Roshi, et al. 114
Great Assembly’s Formal Congratulations to Stewards ....................... 115
Great Assembly’s Formal Congratulations to Head Seat ..................... 115
West Hall Roshi, et al. Express Gratitude to Head Seat & Great Assembly 115
Stewards Express Gratitude to Head Seat and Great Assembly ......... 116
Abbot’s Salutations to Head Seat and Great Assembly ....................... 116
Salutations Inside Abbot’s Quarters ...................................................... 117
Formal Thanks to West Hall Roshi ...................................................... 117
Diagram of Ritual Choreography by Stewards in Sangha Hall
Salutations .............................................................................................. 118
S : E V ............................................ 119
S : R R  G P 
W S ....................................................................................... 119
Preparations ............................................................................................ 119
Purifying Place of Practice ...................................................................... 119
Offering Tea and Decoction ................................................................... 121
Chanting of Heart Sutra ........................................................................ 121
Procedure for Riffling .............................................................................. 122
Abbot’s Ritual Choreography ................................................................. 126
Procedure for Handling Sutra Fascicles ................................................. 128
1. In Event of Sutra Boxes ....................................................................... 128
2. In Event of Folding Cases ................................................................... 129
Eko Text ................................................................................................... 129
Statement for Revolving Reading of Great Perfection of Wisdom
Sutra ........................................................................................................ 130
S : S T S  S H ................ 132
Tea Notice ............................................................................................... 132
1. Form for Notice .................................................................................. 132
2. Formal Envelope ................................................................................. 133
Invitation Rite ........................................................................................ 133
Tea Service Placard ................................................................................ 133
Tea Drum ............................................................................................... 134
Bow for Taking Seats ............................................................................. 134
    IX

Bowing in Four Places ............................................................................ 135

Tea Service Bow ..................................................................................... 135
Tea Urging Bow ..................................................................................... 136
Tea Thanks Bow ..................................................................................... 136
Words of Thanks .................................................................................... 136
Incense for Honored Companions ......................................................... 137
Diagram of Places for Special Decoction and Tea Service ................... 138
S : M  R ............................................... 139
 JANUARY 2  ........................................................................................ 139
S : R R  G P 
W S ...................................................................................... 139
 JANUARY 3  ........................................................................................ 139
S : R R  G P 
W S ...................................................................................... 139
 JANUARY 26  ...................................................................................... 139
S : E A’ B A ...... 139
Eko Text .................................................................................................. 140

 FEBRUARY 1  ...................................................................................... 141

S : R  L T S ...................... 141
 FEBRUARY 9  ...................................................................................... 142
S : A I ..................................................... 142
 FEBRUARY 10  .................................................................................... 143
S : C  C S C ... 143
 FEBRUARY 14  .................................................................................... 144
S : D B N A ............................ 144
1. Decoration of Ritual Site .................................................................... 144
2. Writing Statement ............................................................................. 145
3. Statement Signing Ceremony ............................................................. 146
4. Reading of Last Teaching Sutra ........................................................ 146
S : E S H R ......................... 147
Preparations ............................................................................................ 147
X       

Abbot Enters Hall .................................................................................. 147

Leaving Ranks and Burning Incense .................................................... 147
Recitations ............................................................................................... 148
Recitation Text ........................................................................................ 148
Diagram of Earth Spirit Hall Recitations (Buddha Hall) ................... 149
Eko Text .................................................................................................. 150

 FEBRUARY 15  .................................................................................... 150

S : F S ................................................. 150
S : N A S C ................ 151
Preparations ............................................................................................ 151
Enter Hall, Pass Offerings, Make Nine Prostrations ........................... 152
Raising Incense and Intoning Dharma Phrase ..................................... 154
Leaving Ranks and Burning Incense .................................................... 155
Nine Prostrations by Great Assembly ................................................... 156
Read Statement and Kneel Holding Censer ......................................... 157
Holy Names ............................................................................................ 158
Sutra Chanting ....................................................................................... 158
Abbreviated Eko Text ............................................................................ 159
Nirvana Assembly Statement ................................................................ 159
Eko Text .................................................................................................. 161
Diagram of Leaving Ranks and Burning Incense ................................ 162

 FEBRUARY 16  .................................................................................... 163

S : R-E S-O ........................................... 163
S : O O Q .......................... 163
S : R  N A .......................... 163
S : N A R C ......... 165
Example of Registration Certificate ....................................................... 167
Example of Entries in Curriculum Vitae .............................................. 167

 MARCH 18  ......................................................................................... 170

S : E A D A .......... 170
 APRIL 1  ............................................................................................... 170
S : S D B ..................................... 170
 APRIL 7  ............................................................................................... 171
    XI

S : D B B’ B A ...... 171

1. Decoration of Flower Pavilion ........................................................... 171
2. Writing Statement ............................................................................. 172
3. Statement Signing Ceremony .............................................................. 172

 APRIL 8  ............................................................................................... 172

S : B’ B A S
C ............................................................................................... 172
Buddha’s Birthday Assembly Statement ............................................... 173

 MAY 1  .................................................................................................. 175

S : C O Q ............................ 175
S : C R  M S 175
 MAY 2  .................................................................................................. 175
S : P  A H S .......... 175
Preparations ............................................................................................ 175
Rector’s Announcing Mallet .................................................................. 176
Stewards’ Courtesy Words to Head Seat .............................................. 176
Head Seat’s Courtesy Words to Abbot .................................................. 177
Head Seat Goes to Place ........................................................................ 178
Rector Makes Announcement ............................................................... 178
Diagram of Monastery-Entering Ceremony of Appointing Head Seat 179
S : W V D  A
P ...................................................................................................... 179
 MAY 12  ................................................................................................ 180
S : C S, D N,
R T .............................................................................. 180
1. Decoction Notice ................................................................................. 181
2. Formal Envelope ................................................................................ 181
S : W “U D  M”
P .................................................................................................. 182
S : S S C ............................ 183
 MAY 13  ................................................................................................ 183
S : A H M H ...................... 183
XII       

S : O  H M A .............. 184

Leaving Ranks and Burning Incense .................................................... 184
Read Statement and Kneel Holding Censer ......................................... 185
Invocation of Holy Names ..................................................................... 185
Dedication of Merit for Chanting of Dharani While Circumambulating .. 186
Statement for Opening of Heroic March Assembly .............................. 187
Formal Envelope ...................................................................................... 189
Diagram of Heroic March Assembly .................................................... 190
S : C Q S C ............... 191
Eko Text .................................................................................................. 191

 MAY 14  ................................................................................................ 192

S : M-R H M A ...... 192
S : E S H R ......................... 193
S : A’ D S ............... 194
Decoction Notice Ceremony ................................................................... 194
Prostrations for Inviting Abbot .............................................................. 195
Enter Hall to Tea Drum ........................................................................ 195
Inviting Guest of Honor ......................................................................... 195
Thanking Abbot ...................................................................................... 196
Abbot Exits Hall .................................................................................... 196
West Hall Roshi Exits Hall ................................................................... 197
Head Seat Exits Hall ............................................................................. 197
Incense for Ancillary Recipients ............................................................ 197

 MAY 15  ................................................................................................ 197

S : F S ................................................. 197
Salutation by West Hall Roshi .............................................................. 198
Salutations by Stewards .......................................................................... 198
Salutations by Prefects, Etc. ................................................................... 199
Sangha Hall Salutations ........................................................................ 199
S : M R  Q .............................. 200
Preparations ............................................................................................ 200
Abbot Makes Rounds of Quarters ........................................................ 200
Administrators’ Courtesy Words ........................................................... 200
Accompaniment by Staffs of Various Quarters ..................................... 201
    XIII

S : M S P  S

C ....................................................................................................... 202
Monastic Seniority Placard ..................................................................... 202
Diagram of Seniority Chart ................................................................... 203
S : C T ................................................ 204
S : R P C .......................... 204
Preparations ............................................................................................ 204
Sounding Boards in Sequence ................................................................ 205
Bowing in Gassho to Empty Seat ........................................................... 206
Diagram of Bowing in Gassho to Empty Seat ...................................... 207
Abbot Enters Hall .................................................................................. 208
Raising Incense ....................................................................................... 208
Bowing in Gassho ................................................................................... 210
Diagram of Bowing in Gassho at Foot and in Front of Dharma Seat 211
Bowing in Gassho to Empty Seat ............................................................ 212
Bowing in Gassho at Foot of Dharma Seat ............................................ 212
Bowing in Gassho in Front of Dharma Seat ......................................... 212
Request of Dharma on Behalf of Assembly ........................................... 212
Announcing Mallet ................................................................................ 213
Topic Words ........................................................................................... 213
Question and Answer ............................................................................. 213
Summary of Point ................................................................................... 214
Getting Down From Seat ....................................................................... 214
S : S T S  S H ............... 215
S : A C ....................................... 215
 MAY 16  ................................................................................................ 216
S : A L ........................................................... 216
S : H S’ R C T .................................. 216
Preparations ............................................................................................ 216
Announcement by Abbot ....................................................................... 217
Invitation Prostration ............................................................................. 217
Commentary on Root Case .................................................................... 217
Tea Service .............................................................................................. 217

 MAY 17  ................................................................................................ 218

S : C T ................................................ 218
XIV       

S : H S T D S ........................... 218

Preparations ............................................................................................ 218
Entering Hall .......................................................................................... 218
Going Up To Abbot’s Quarters .............................................................. 218
Entering Hall .......................................................................................... 219
Initiating Chanting of Heart Sutra ....................................................... 219
Raising Case ........................................................................................... 220
Holding Up Bamboo Staff ...................................................................... 221
Dharma Questioning ............................................................................... 221
Diagram of Head Seat Taking Dharma Seat ....................................... 222
“Verse Commentary on Root Case” Placard ........................................... 223
Words of Thanks .................................................................................... 224
Words of Congratulation ....................................................................... 224

 JUNE 1 ................................................................................................. 225

S : C  C  S H ............... 225
 JUNE 30  .............................................................................................. 225
S : M C A ................................ 225
 JULY 1  .................................................................................................. 225
S : M  R ............................................... 225
S : F-O A B B F 226
Preparations ............................................................................................ 226
Sequence of Procedures ........................................................................... 226
Eko Text ................................................................................................... 227

 JULY 2  .................................................................................................. 228

S : O B  Q R ..................... 228
 JULY 13 ................................................................................................ 228
S : C S C ................................... 228
Text for Eko Before Founding Abbot’s Stupa ....................................... 229
Text for Eko Before Former Abbots’ Stupas ......................................... 229
Text for Eko Before Egg-shaped Stupas of Deceased Monks ............... 229

 JULY 14 ................................................................................................ 230

S : D B F-O A ............. 230
    XV

1. Writing Statement .............................................................................. 230

2. Statement Signing Ceremony ............................................................ 230
 JULY 15 ................................................................................................ 230
S : B F G F-O A .... 230
Diagram of Order for Hanging Food-Offering Banners ...................... 231
Diagram of Arrangement of “Four Deva Kings” Banners on Pillar ... 232
Abbot Enters Hall .................................................................................. 233
Raising Incense and Intoning Dharma Phrase ..................................... 233
Sutra Chanting ....................................................................................... 233
“Verse for Dedicating Merit” Incense Burning ..................................... 235
Universal Dedication of Merit ............................................................... 235
Reading Statement ................................................................................. 235
Dispersing from Hall .............................................................................. 236
Bon Festival Food-Offering Assembly Statement .................................. 236
Formal Envelope ..................................................................................... 238
Eko Text .................................................................................................. 238

 JULY 20 ................................................................................................ 239

S : A S M  V H ............ 239
 AUGUST 9  .......................................................................................... 239
S : A I ..................................................... 239
 AUGUST 10 ........................................................................................ 239
S : C  C S C .... 239
 AUGUST 12 ........................................................................................ 240
S : D B C  H M
A ................................................................................................ 240
1. Writing Statement .............................................................................. 240
2. Statement Signing Ceremony .............................................................. 240

 AUGUST 13 ........................................................................................ 240

S : C  H M A ............... 240
Statement for Closing of Heroic March Assembly ................................ 241

 AUGUST 14 ........................................................................................ 243

S : E S H R ......................... 243
XVI       

 AUGUST 15 ........................................................................................ 244

S : F S ................................................. 244
 AUGUST 16 ........................................................................................ 244
S : R-E S-O ........................................... 244
S : O O Q .......................... 244
S : R  N A .......................... 244
 SEPTEMBER 21  ................................................................................ 245
S : E A D A .......... 245
 SEPTEMBER 28  ................................................................................ 245
S : D B T A’ M .......... 245
1. Writing Statements ............................................................................ 245
2. Statement Signing Ceremony .............................................................. 245
3. Memorial Service Eve Preparations .................................................. 245
4. Sutra Chanting for Greeting Portraits ............................................... 245
Eko Text .............................................................................................. 246
5. Special Decoction-Offering Sutra Chanting ...................................... 246

 SEPTEMBER 29  ................................................................................ 247

S : T A’ M .................................... 247
1. Breakfast Offering Sutra Chanting ..................................................... 247
2. Main Memorial Service Sutra Chanting ........................................... 248
Two Ancestors’ Memorial Statement ................................................. 249
Formal Envelope .................................................................................. 251
Eko Text .............................................................................................. 251
3. Sutra Chanting for Sending Off Portraits ......................................... 252

 OCTOBER 1  ....................................................................................... 253

S : C  C  S H ............... 253
 OCTOBER 4  ....................................................................................... 253
S : D B D M ............................ 253
1. Writing Statement .............................................................................. 253
2. Statement Signing Ceremony .............................................................. 253
3. Memorial Service Eve Preparations ................................................... 253
4. Sutra Chanting for Greeting Portrait ................................................. 253
    XVII

5. Special Decoction-Offering Sutra Chanting ....................................... 254

 OCTOBER 5  ....................................................................................... 254

S : D M ..................................................... 254
1. Breakfast Offering Sutra Chanting .................................................... 254
Eko Text ............................................................................................. 254
2. Main Memorial Service Sutra Chanting ............................................ 254
Daruma Memorial Statement ........................................................... 255
Formal Envelope ................................................................................. 257
3. Sutra Chanting for Sending Off Portrait ........................................... 257

 NOVEMBER 1  ................................................................................... 257

S : C O Q ............................ 257
S : C R  M S 258
S : O B ....................................................... 258
 NOVEMBER 2  ................................................................................... 258
S : P  A H S .......... 258
S : W V D  A
P ...................................................................................................... 258
 NOVEMBER 12  ................................................................................. 259
S : C S, D N,
R T ............................................................................ 259
 NOVEMBER 13  ................................................................................. 259
S : C Q S C ............... 259
 NOVEMBER 14  ................................................................................. 259
S : E S H R ......................... 259
S : A’ D S ............... 260
 NOVEMBER 15  ................................................................................. 260
S : F S ................................................. 260
S : M R  Q ...................................... 260
S : M S P, S C.... 261
XVIII       

S : C T ................................................ 261

S : C ................................................................ 261
S : S T S  S H ............... 261
 NOVEMBER 16  ................................................................................. 261
S : A L ........................................................... 261
S : H S’ R C T .................................. 262
 NOVEMBER 17  ................................................................................. 262
S : C T ................................................ 262
S : H S T D S .......................... 262
 NOVEMBER 21  ................................................................................ 262
S : G A’ B A ............ 262
 DECEMBER 1  .................................................................................... 263
S : A D S ......................................... 263
Entering Hall While Sounding Boards in Sequence ............................ 263
Abbreviated Formal Noon Meal ........................................................... 264
Serving Tea to Meal Donor ................................................................... 264
Admonitory Explanation ....................................................................... 265
Evening Meal .......................................................................................... 265
Sleep While Sitting ................................................................................. 265
Dawn Sitting ........................................................................................... 265
Abbreviated Morning Sutra Chanting .................................................. 266
Morning Meal ........................................................................................ 266
All-Night Zazen ..................................................................................... 266

 DECEMBER 7  .................................................................................... 267

S : D B B’ A A 267
1. Decoration of Ritual Site .................................................................... 267
2. Writing Statement ............................................................................. 267
3. Statement Signing Ceremony ............................................................. 267
 DECEMBER 8  .................................................................................... 268
S : B’ A A S C . 268
1. Breakfast Offering Sutra Chanting .................................................... 268
Eko Text .............................................................................................. 268
    XIX

2. Main Service Sutra Chanting ............................................................ 268

Buddha’s Attainment Assembly Statement ...................................... 269

 DECEMBER 9  .................................................................................... 271

S : R B   S A ....... 271
S : A-N Z ....................................................... 271
 DECEMBER 10  .................................................................................. 271
S : M   S A  C . 271
1. Breakfast Offering Sutra Chanting .................................................... 271
Eko Text ............................................................................................. 272
2. Oblations Sutra Chanting .................................................................. 272

 DECEMBER 13  .................................................................................. 272

S : C O S  V H ........... 272
 DECEMBER 31  .................................................................................. 273
S : E S H R ......................... 273
S : Y-E S C ................................... 273

APPENDIX ............................................................................................ 274

S : S C  B  A .. 274
Eko Text ................................................................................................... 274
S : M  E M’ F
A’ M ............................................................................. 275
Each Monastery’s Founding Abbot’s Memorial Statement ................. 275
Formal Envelope ..................................................................................... 277
S : M  M  V
M  F A .......................................................... 278
S : M  M M S 
F P .............................................................................. 278
Eko Text ................................................................................................... 279
S : M  S C  D
M ........................................................................................................ 279
Eko Text .................................................................................................. 280
XX       

CHAPTER 4: ABBREVIATED PROCEDURE FOR

RETREAT .................................................................................................. 281
S : G A I ....................... 281
S : P  A H S .......... 282
S : C ................................................................ 282
S : R C T ............................................................. 283
S : H S T D S .......................... 283
S : O R P .................................... 284
1. Writing Various Diagrams for Arranging Places ............................. 284
2. Heroic March Assembly .................................................................... 284
3. Common Quarters Sutra Chanting ................................................... 284
4. Earth Spirit Hall Recitations ............................................................. 284
5. Administrators’ Decoction Service .................................................... 284
6. Formal Salutations ............................................................................. 285
7. Monastic Seniority Placard ................................................................ 285
8. Ceremony of Compiling Seniority Chart .......................................... 285
S : O  M  R ................... 285
A: P  F B  T
P ....................................................................................... 285

PART TWO: OCCASIONAL OBSERVANCES

DIVISION ONE ............................................................................................. 289

CHAPTER 1: PROCEDURE FOR CEREMONY OF

TAKING PRECEPTS ........................................................................... 289
S : P  C  T P
W G F F H L .......................... 289
1. Procedure for Shaving Head and Taking Precepts ............................ 289
Preparations ......................................................................................... 289
Entering Hall ........................................................................................ 290
Invocation ............................................................................................ 290
    XXI

Verse of Worship and Praise ............................................................... 291

Tonsure ................................................................................................ 293
Giving Long Robe ................................................................................ 295
Giving Dharma Name ........................................................................ 296
Giving Sitting Cloth, Robes and Bowls .............................................. 296
2. Procedure for Giving Bodhisattva Precepts ........................................ 299
Repentance ........................................................................................... 299
Precepts of Three Refuges .................................................................... 300
Three Sets of Pure Precepts ................................................................. 302
Ten Major Precepts of Restraint ........................................................ 302
Conferral of Lineage Chart ................................................................. 304
Dedication of Merit ............................................................................. 304
Eko Text ............................................................................................... 304
Verse of Purity While Abiding in the World ..................................... 305
Diagram of Ordination Dharma Name Certificate .......................... 306
Diagram of Ceremony of Taking Precepts ......................................... 307
S : P  C  T
P  M   T F ................................ 307
Preparations ............................................................................................ 307
Entering Hall .......................................................................................... 308
Text for Ceremony of Shaving Head and Taking Precepts .................. 308
Tonsure ................................................................................................... 308
Giving Rakusu ........................................................................................ 308
Verse of Repentance ................................................................................ 309
Giving Precepts ....................................................................................... 309
Conferral of Lineage Chart .................................................................... 309
Dedication of Merit ................................................................................ 309
Instruction ............................................................................................... 309
Prostrations in Thanks ........................................................................... 309
All Together Make Three Prostrations ................................................. 309
Retiring from Hall .................................................................................. 310

CHAPTER 2: PROCEDURE FOR MOUNTAIN SEAT

CEREMONY.............................................................................................. 310
S : P  M S C ..... 310
Preparations for Mountain Seating ....................................................... 310
New Abbot’s Rest Stop ........................................................................... 310
XXII       

Arrival of New Abbot’s Vehicle ............................................................. 312

New Abbot Proceeds to Monastery ....................................................... 313
Dharma Phrase at Triple Gate .............................................................. 316
Registration in Sangha Hall .................................................................. 317
Reading of Letter of Appointment ......................................................... 318
Dharma Phrases in Buddha Hall, Earth Spirit Hall, Ancestral
Teachers Hall, and Founding Abbot’s Hall .......................................... 319
Occupying Room ..................................................................................... 320
Inspecting Seal ........................................................................................ 320
Certificate of Authenticity of Monastery’s Signature Stamp ................ 322
A: A P  M
S ................................................................................................... 323
Preparations ............................................................................................ 323
Rest Stop ................................................................................................. 323
Arrival at Triple Gate ............................................................................ 324
Dharma Phrases in Buddha Hall, Earth Spirit Hall, Ancestral
Teachers Hall, and Founding Abbot’s Hall .......................................... 325
Prayers Sutra Chanting .......................................................................... 325
S : P  M S H O .. 326
Placard ..................................................................................................... 326
Triple Gate, Mountain Gate ................................................................. 327
Preparations ............................................................................................ 327
New Abbot Enters Hall ......................................................................... 328
Donning of Transmission Robe ............................................................. 329
Reading Aloud of Various Statements .................................................. 330
New Abbot Mounts Seat ....................................................................... 331
Raising Incense ....................................................................................... 331
Small Convocation That Evening .......................................................... 334

CHAPTER 3: PROCEDURE FOR RETIREMENT

CEREMONY.............................................................................................. 336
S : P  R C ............ 336
Preparations ............................................................................................ 336
Offering Incense in Various Halls ......................................................... 336
Giving Up of Monastery Seal ................................................................ 337
Convocation for Retiring from Abbacy ................................................. 337
Departure ................................................................................................ 338
    XXIII

A: A R C ............... 338

Sutra Chanting for Repaying Blessings ................................................. 338
Expression of Thanks ............................................................................. 339

CHAPTER 4: PROCEDURE FOR PRECEPTSGIVING

ASSEMBLY ................................................................................................ 340
S : P  P-G A .... 340
— P  C O — ............................................ 340
Preparations ............................................................................................ 340
1. Office of Platform Manager ............................................................... 340
2. Office of Hall Prefect .......................................................................... 342
3. Office of Head Cook ............................................................................ 343
4. Office of Precept Master’s Acolyte ...................................................... 343
Rehearsal ................................................................................................. 343
Arrival of Precept Master ...................................................................... 343
Casting Ceremony .................................................................................. 344
Casting for Precepts-Giving Assembly ................................................... 344

 DAY ONE  ............................................................................................ 346

Receiving Ordinands .............................................................................. 346
Sutra Chanting for Greeting Sacred Beings ......................................... 347
Eko Text for Sutra Chanting for Greeting Sacred Beings .................... 348
Invocation Text ....................................................................................... 349
Three Placards ......................................................................................... 349
Ceremony-Opening Buddha Praising .................................................... 350
Buddha Worship .................................................................................... 350
Oblations Sutra Chanting ...................................................................... 350
Offerings Sutra Chanting ........................................................................ 351
Eko Text for Offerings Sutra Chanting ................................................. 352
Noon Meal .............................................................................................. 352
Statement ................................................................................................ 352
Conferral of Karmic Connection Charts ............................................... 354
Explanation of Precepts .......................................................................... 355
Buddha Worship .................................................................................... 355
Sutra Chanting for Deceased Ordinands .............................................. 355
Offerings Sutra Chanting ....................................................................... 355
Evening Meal .......................................................................................... 356
XXIV       

Worship On Platform ............................................................................ 356

Platform Worship Text ........................................................................... 357
Worship of Buddhas and Ancestors ...................................................... 358
Sermon .................................................................................................... 359
Ordinands Go to Sleep ........................................................................... 359
Evening Sitting by Monks of Great Assembly ...................................... 359
Proper Chanting of Sutra of Brahma’s Net ........................................... 360
Check in Middle of Night ...................................................................... 360
 DAY TWO  .......................................................................................... 360
Dawn Zazen ........................................................................................... 360
Morning Sutra Chanting ....................................................................... 361
Buddha Praising ..................................................................................... 361
Sermon .................................................................................................... 361
Breakfast Offering Sutra Chanting ........................................................ 361
Sutra Chanting for Precepts Source Master .......................................... 362
Eko Text for Sutra Chanting for Precepts Source Master ..................... 362
Offerings Sutra Chanting ....................................................................... 362
Small Convocation .................................................................................. 363
Morning Convocation Prostration ......................................................... 363
Breakfast ................................................................................................. 363
Touring of Hall ....................................................................................... 363
Sermon .................................................................................................... 364
Offerings Sutra Chanting ....................................................................... 364
 DAY THREE ....................................................................................... 364
Line-up of Ordinands ............................................................................. 364
Touring Hall and Making Inspection ................................................... 365
 DAY FOUR  ......................................................................................... 365
Middle Day Services .............................................................................. 365
 DAY FIVE  ........................................................................................... 366
Arrangements for Repentance Site ........................................................ 366
Touring Hall, Explanation .................................................................... 366
Preparations for Rite of Repentance ...................................................... 366
1. Office of Precept Master’s Acolyte ...................................................... 366
2. Office of Platform Manager ................................................................ 366
3. Office of Hall Prefect ........................................................................... 367
Evening Meal Touring of Hall .............................................................. 367
Explanation by Platform Manager ....................................................... 367
Worship of Buddhas and Ancestors ...................................................... 368
    XXV

Rite of Repentance .................................................................................. 368

Ritual Burning of Repentance Registry ................................................. 368
Chanting Holy Name and Circumambulating ..................................... 370
Self-Sacrifice Offerings ............................................................................ 370
Dedication of Merit ................................................................................ 370
Worship on Platform .............................................................................. 371
Formal Dharma Talk ............................................................................ 371
Explanation by Platform Manager ....................................................... 371
Precept Master’s Acolyte Makes Rounds to Pay Respects .................... 371
 DAY SIX  .............................................................................................. 371
Arrangements for Ritual Site ................................................................. 371
Touring Hall and Circumambulating .................................................... 371
Rite of Request Prostrations ................................................................... 372
Worship on Platform .............................................................................. 374
Ceremony-Closing Buddha Praising ...................................................... 374
Preparations for Mounting Platform .................................................... 374
Explanation After Evening Meal .......................................................... 375
Instruction Site ....................................................................................... 375
Precepts-Giving Site ................................................................................ 376
1. Three Sequences on Drum ................................................................. 377
2. Three Prostrations to Seat of King of Emptiness .............................. 377
3. Inspecting Ritual Site ......................................................................... 377
4. Ordinands Enter Ritual Site .............................................................. 377
5. Lotus Dais .......................................................................................... 378
6. Four-fold Sangha Burns Incense ........................................................ 378
7. Nine Prostrations by Four-fold Sangha ............................................. 379
8. Forward and Reverse Water-Sprinkling ........................................... 379
9. Bathing of Head ................................................................................. 379
10. Precepts-Giving Text ........................................................................ 380
11. Four-fold Sangha Mounts Platform ................................................ 382
12. Deceased Ordinands Mount Platform ........................................... 383
13. Tutelary Deities Mount Platform ................................................... 383
14. Three Masters Mount Platform ...................................................... 383
15. Perusal of Lineage Chart ................................................................. 383
16. Conferral of Lineage Charts ............................................................ 384
17. Verse of Purity While Abiding in the World .................................. 384
18. Three Prostrations to Seat of King of Emptiness ............................ 385
Explanation by Platform Manager ....................................................... 385
XXVI       

 DAY SEVEN  ....................................................................................... 386

Morning Sutra Chanting ....................................................................... 386
Great Food-offering assembly for Unconnected Spirits ......................... 386
Sutra Chanting for Sending Off Sacred Beings ...................................... 386
Prostration in Thanks and Request for Leave ....................................... 386
Explanation by Platform Manager ....................................................... 387
Convocation Upon Completing Ordinations ........................................ 387
Appointees for Excellent Buddha-Praising Assembly ........................... 388
Diagram of Arrangement of Oblations on Platform ............................ 388
Diagram of Excellent Buddha-Praising Assembly ....................................389
Daily Schedule for Precepts-Giving Assembly Observances .................. 390
Diagram of Six-Row Circumambulation .............................................. 392
Diagram of Arrangement for Precepts Assembly ................................. 393
Diagram of Four-Fold Sangha Meal Table Places ................................ 393
Diagram of Circumambulation ............................................................. 394
Diagram of Worship on Platform and Worship of Buddhas and
Ancestors ................................................................................................. 394
Diagram of Seating Places ..................................................................... 395
“Two Ranks of Officers for Precepts Assembly” Sign ............................ 395
Offerings Sign ......................................................................................... 396
Diagram of Ritual Burning of Repentance Register ............................. 396
Diagram of Repentance Site .................................................................. 397
Diagram of Bathing Head, Sprinkling Water and Conferring
Lineage Charts ....................................................................................... 397
Diagram of Instruction Site ................................................................... 398
Diagram of Preparations for Precepts-Giving (main) Site ................... 398
S : P  D L A .. 399
S : P  K C
A ................................................................................................ 399
Daily Schedule for Dharma Lineage Assembly Observances ............... 400
Daily Schedule for Karmic Connection Assembly Observances .......... 401

CHAPTER 5: PROCEDURE FOR DHARMA INSTRUC

TION ............................................................................................................ 402
S : P  D I S ... 402
S : P  S P .............................. 402
    XXVII

CHAPTER SIX: PROCEDURES FOR FUNERALS ........... 406

S : P  F   V M . 406
Manifesting Nirvana .............................................................................. 406
Announcement by Rector ....................................................................... 406
Chanting of Last Teaching Sutra ........................................................... 407
Gate Placard ........................................................................................... 407
Leader of Funeral ................................................................................... 408
Announcement Letters ........................................................................... 408
Diagram of Formal Envelope ................................................................. 409
Ceremonial Will ..................................................................................... 409
Etiquette for Various Buddha Rites ....................................................... 410
Inviting Various Funeral Officials; Inviting Various Buddha Rite
Officiants ................................................................................................. 411
Template for Register of Invited Funeral Officials ................................ 411
Template for Register of Buddha Rites Invitees .................................... 412
Template for Register of Sequential Procedures in Funeral .................. 412
Registers .................................................................................................. 413
Encoffining .............................................................................................. 413
Encoffining Recitations ........................................................................... 414
Moving Coffin ......................................................................................... 415
Sealing Coffin .......................................................................................... 415
Hanging Portrait .................................................................................... 416
Small Convocation Facing Portrait ........................................................ 417
Funeral Eve Recitations ......................................................................... 417
Raising Coffin ......................................................................................... 418
Four Colored Banners ............................................................................ 419
Four White Banners .............................................................................. 420
Buddha Names Banners ........................................................................ 421
Final Verse Banner ................................................................................. 422
Diagram of Funeral Place ...................................................................... 422
Arrangement of Funeral Place ............................................................... 423
Procession to Crematorium .................................................................... 423
Offering Decoction .................................................................................. 424
Offering Tea ............................................................................................ 425
Template for Poster Listing Order of Procession to Crematorium ...... 425
Wielding Torch (Lifting Mattock) ........................................................ 427
Recitations at Funeral Site ..................................................................... 428
Cremation (Burial) ................................................................................ 430
XXVIII       

Collecting Relics ...................................................................................... 430

Sutra Chanting for Placing Tablet ......................................................... 430
Holding Feast .......................................................................................... 431
Funeral Gifts ........................................................................................... 432
S : P  F   D M 432
 EVENING BEFORE .......................................................................... 432
Death ....................................................................................................... 432
Announcement by Rector ....................................................................... 433
Sutra Chanting for Encoffining ................................................................ 433
Funeral Eve Recitations............................................................................ 434

 PROCESSION TO CREMATORIUM  ........................................... 435

Recitations Upon Lifting Coffin ............................................................. 435
Wielding Torch (Lifting Mattock) ........................................................ 436
Recitations at Funeral Site ..................................................................... 436
Sutra Chanting for Placing Tablet ......................................................... 438
Recitations Upon Transferring Bones ................................................... 438
Recitations Upon Auctioning Property of Deceased Monk ................. 440
“Sending Off Deceased” Placard ............................................................ 442
“Recitations For Deceased Monk” Placard ........................................... 442
“Auction” Placard ................................................................................... 442
Four White Banners .............................................................................. 443
S : P  F   L F .. 443
Sutra Chanting at Time of Death ......................................................... 443
All-Night Vigil Sutra Chanting ............................................................. 444
Tonsure ................................................................................................... 444
Giving Precepts ....................................................................................... 445
Encoffining Sutra Chanting .................................................................... 448
Recitations Before Coffin ........................................................................ 449
Recitations Upon Lifting Coffin ............................................................. 450
Guidance Dharma Phrase ..................................................................... 451
Recitations at Funeral Site ..................................................................... 452
Buddha Rites .......................................................................................... 453
Sutra Chanting for Placing Tablet ......................................................... 454

CHAPTER 7: PROCEDURE FOR SESSHIN ASSEMBLY.... 455

    XXIX

CHAPTER 8: PROCEDURE FOR RITES FOR LAY

FOLLOWERS ........................................................................................... 455
S : P  R  L F ...................... 455
1. When Held at a Temple .................................................................... 455
2. When Held at Donor Household ..................................................... 456
Offering to Main Object of Veneration to Benefit Patrons ............. 457
Sutra Chanting for Ancestors Hall Patrons ..................................... 457
Sutra Chanting for Patron’s Ancestors ................................................ 458
Abbreviated Dedication of Merit for Householders ........................ 459
S : P  O  S 
T W S T  W ........................ 459
Eko Text .................................................................................................. 460
S : P  O  D
V  D ...................................................................... 460
Eko Text .................................................................................................. 461

DIVISION TWO ....................................................................................... 462

S : P  D R  R C 462
S : P  O  E O
 I  S ...................................................................... 463
Preparations ............................................................................................ 463
Entering Hall .......................................................................................... 463
Dotting Eyes ............................................................................................ 463
Offering Tea and Decoction ................................................................... 464
Narration Text ....................................................................................... 464
Sutra Chanting and Dedication of Merit .............................................. 465
Eko Text .................................................................................................. 465
A: E  E-O D P 466
1. Image of Shakason .............................................................................. 466
2. Images of Shakamuni Buddha with Kasho and Anan .................... 467
3. Nirvana Image ................................................................................... 468
4. Images of the Sixteen Arhats ............................................................. 468
5. Image of Ancestral Teacher Daruma ................................................ 468
6. Images of Ancestral Teachers ............................................................ 468
7. Image of Kannon Bodhisattva ........................................................... 469
8. Image of Monju Bodhisattva ............................................................. 469
XXX       

9. Image of Fugen Bodhisattva .............................................................. 469

10. Image of Monastery-Protecting Bodhisattva (Daigen) ................... 470
11. Image of Venerable Deva Ida .......................................................... 470
12. Image of Dharma-Protecting Deity of Kitchen .............................. 470
13. Image of Jizō Bodhisattva ................................................................ 471
S : P  C  E 
B .................................................................................................... 471
Eko Text .................................................................................................. 471
S : P  C  O 
T M ........................................................................ 473
Sutra Chanting for Buddha and Ancestors ........................................... 473
Sangha Hall Opening ............................................................................. 473
Recitation Text ........................................................................................ 473
S : P  G-B
C .............................................................................................. 474
S : P  B O ............................. 475
Sutra Chanting for Buddha and Ancestors ........................................... 475
Temple Bell Offering ............................................................................. 476
Preparations ........................................................................................ 476
Entering Ritual Site ............................................................................ 476
Purifying Place of Practice .................................................................. 476
Removing Curtain .............................................................................. 477
Reading Statement .............................................................................. 477
First Striking of Bell ............................................................................ 477
Sutra Chanting and Dedication of Merit .......................................... 478
Statement for Bell Offering ................................................................. 478
S : P  C M C
 C  V B ............................... 480
1. Completion of Construction of Main Hall or Founding Abbot’s Hall .... 480
2. Completion of Construction of Kitchen Residence, Mortuary
Tablet Hall, Assembly Hall, Etc. .......................................................... 480
Preparations ........................................................................................ 481
Sutra Chanting for Buddha and Ancestors ....................................... 481
Purifying Place of Practice ................................................................. 481
Raising Incense and Intoning Dharma Phrase ................................. 482
Sutra Chanting and Dedication of Merit ......................................... 482
Eko Text ............................................................................................. 482
    XXXI

3. Completion of Construction of Various Halls, Triple Gate

(Mountain Gate), Bridge, Etc. ............................................................... 483
Preparations ........................................................................................ 483
Entering Ritual Site ............................................................................ 483
Purifying Place of Practice ................................................................. 483
Sutra Chanting and Dedication of Merit ......................................... 483
S : P  P M ....... 484
S : P  P .................................... 485
One Example of Wandering Monk’s Pack ............................................. 487
S : P  G  R
G  M I .................................................. 490
S : P  A ..................... 492
S : P  R   A
M ........................................................................................................ 493
Recitations ............................................................................................... 493
Sutra Chanting and Dedication of Merit .............................................. 493

PART THREE: BASIC PROCEDURES

CHAPTER 1: BASIC PROCEDURES ......................................... 497

S : B E ....................................................... 497
Gassho ...................................................................................................... 497
Folded Hands .......................................................................................... 497
Lowered Head ......................................................................................... 497
Bent Body ................................................................................................. 497
Bow With Hands Clasped ...................................................................... 497
Bow in Gassho ......................................................................................... 498
Full Bow in Gassho .................................................................................. 498
Request ..................................................................................................... 498
Half Kneeling .......................................................................................... 498
Upright Kneeling ..................................................................................... 498
Prostration ............................................................................................... 498
Three Prostrations ................................................................................... 499
XXXII       

Nine Prostrations ..................................................................................... 499

One Hundred Prostrations ..................................................................... 499
Indeterminate Prostrations ..................................................................... 499
— P  S M — ............................... 499
Full Cross-Legged Position ...................................................................... 499
Semi-Cross-Legged Position .................................................................... 500
Walking Meditation ................................................................................ 500
S : P  D K ............................ 500
S : E  S C ............................... 501
Spreading Sitting Cloth .......................................................................... 501
Full Spreading .......................................................................................... 502
Abbreviated Worship ............................................................................... 502
Sudden Prostration .................................................................................. 502
Spreading Cloth Twice, Paying Respects Thrice .................................... 502
S : P  O B I 503
S : R C  A 
I A ................................................................................ 504
S : P  O T  D .. 505
S : P  P I ...... 506
 BELLS  .................................................................................................. 506
1. Great bell ............................................................................................ 506
Dawn Bell ............................................................................................ 506
Diagram of Dawn Bell Ringing ......................................................... 508
Midday Meal Bell ............................................................................... 508
Evening Bell ......................................................................................... 509
Closing Bell .......................................................................................... 509
“3” and “8” Recitations ....................................................................... 509
Earth Spirit Hall Recitations .............................................................. 509
Mountain Seating ................................................................................ 509
Funeral of Venerable Monk ................................................................ 509
Other Occasions.................................................................................... 509
2. Small Bell ............................................................................................ 510
Three Sequences on Hall Bell .............................................................. 510
Seven Rings of Bell .............................................................................. 510
One Sequence on Small Bell ................................................................ 511
3. Sangha Hall Bell ................................................................................ 511
    XXXIII

Bell for “3” and “8” Recitations ......................................................... 511

Bell for Release from Convocation ...................................................... 511
Bell for Appointing Stewards, Prefects ............................................... 511
Bell for Greeting and Sending Off Guests .......................................... 511
Bell for Sending Off A Deceased Monk ............................................. 511
4. Common Quarters Bell ...................................................................... 511
Reading Bell ......................................................................................... 511
5. Sitting Hall Bell .................................................................................. 512
Bell for Start of Meditation Period ..................................................... 512
Walking Meditation Bell .................................................................... 512
Meditation Release Bell ...................................................................... 512

 DRUMS  ............................................................................................... 512

1. Dharma Drum ................................................................................... 512
Drum for Small Convocation ............................................................. 512
Drum for Convocation ........................................................................ 512
Drum for Withdrawing ...................................................................... 513
Drum for Entering Room ................................................................... 513
Drum for Public Sermon ..................................................................... 513
Drum for Sermon-Inviting Incense .................................................... 513
Drum for Morning Convocation ........................................................ 513
Drum for Evening Convocation .......................................................... 513
Drum for Sermon by Head Seat ......................................................... 513
2. Tea Drum ............................................................................................ 514
Evening Convocation Tea Service ....................................................... 514
Sangha Hall Tea Service ...................................................................... 514
Special Offering of Tea ......................................................................... 514
Special Decoction Offering ................................................................... 514
Head Seat’s Root Case Tea .................................................................. 514
3. Other Occasions .................................................................................. 514
Drum for Meals ................................................................................... 514
Drum for Communal Labor ............................................................... 515
Dawn Drum ........................................................................................ 515
Evening Drum ..................................................................................... 515
Bath Drum .......................................................................................... 515
Drum in Great Pounding Mode ......................................................... 515
XXXIV       

 SOUNDING BOARDS AND GONGS  .......................................... 516

1. Cloud Gong in Front of Kitchen ........................................................ 516
Extended Gong ................................................................................... 516
Gong for Taking Down Bowls ............................................................ 516
Fire Gong ............................................................................................. 516
Evening Meal ....................................................................................... 516
End of Meditation ............................................................................... 517
2. Sounding Boards at Various Quarters .............................................. 517
Sangha Hall Sounding Board ............................................................ 517
Sounding Board in Front of Head Seat’s Quarters ............................ 517
Sounding Board in Front of Common Quarters ................................ 518
Sounding Board in Front of Abbot’s Quarters .................................. 518
Sounding Board in Front of Dharma Hall ....................................... 518
Sounding Board in Front of Tea Hall ............................................... 518
Bath Sounding Board ......................................................................... 518
Other Quarters .................................................................................... 519

 HANDBELLS  ................................................................................... 519

All Together Make Three Prostrations ................................................. 519
Hand-Bell for Taking Seats ................................................................... 519
Hand-Bell for Standing Up .................................................................... 519
Abbot Withdraws from Hall ................................................................. 519
Hand-Bell for Dispersing from Hall ...................................................... 520
Open Floor Space Hand-Bell ................................................................. 520
Three Abbreviated Prostrations ............................................................. 520
One Abbreviated Prostration ................................................................. 520

 BOWLBELLS  .................................................................................... 521

Large Bowl-Bell ....................................................................................... 521
Small Bowl-Bell ........................................................................................ 521

 MALLET AND OTHER INSTRUMENTS  ................................... 522

1. Mallet ................................................................................................... 522
Announcing Mallet ............................................................................ 522
Ten Buddha Names ............................................................................ 523
Meals ................................................................................................... 523
Appointing Stewards, Prefects ............................................................ 523
Method for Striking Block with Mallet .............................................. 523
Person who Strikes Block with Mallet ................................................ 524
    XXXV

2. Fish Drum .......................................................................................... 524

3. Drum and Cymbals ........................................................................... 524
4. Cymbals .............................................................................................. 524
5. Precepts Clappers ............................................................................... 525
6. Large Wooden Clappers .................................................................... 525
7. Wooden Fish Drum ............................................................................ 525
8. Small Clappered Bell .......................................................................... 526

 PROCEDURES FOR MARKING TIME ........................................ 526

Method for Announcing Time ............................................................... 526
Timetable for Announcing Time ........................................................... 527

 NAMES FOR TIMES OF DAY  ........................................................ 527

Late Night ................................................................................................ 527
Dawn ........................................................................................................ 527
After Breakfast ........................................................................................ 527
Morning ................................................................................................... 528
Mid-Morning .......................................................................................... 528
Mid-Meals ............................................................................................... 528
Midday ..................................................................................................... 528
Noon ......................................................................................................... 528
After Midday Meal ................................................................................. 528
Late Afternoon ........................................................................................ 528
Evening ..................................................................................................... 528
Early Night .............................................................................................. 528
Following Evening Bell ............................................................................ 529
Bedtime .................................................................................................... 529
Middle of Night ....................................................................................... 529
After ......................................................................................................... 529
S : P  I S C 529
1. Universally Recommended Instructions for Zazen .......................... 529
2. Admonitions for Zazen ..................................................................... 530
3. Lotus Sutra ......................................................................................... 530
Kannon Sutra. ..................................................................................... 530
Ten-Line Kannon Sutra. .................................................................... 530
Verse from the “Life Span” Chapter ................................................... 530
“Supernatural Powers” Chapter ......................................................... 530
“Easy Practice” Chapter ...................................................................... 530
XXXVI       

4. Perfection of Wisdom Sutras ............................................................. 531

Heart Sutra .......................................................................................... 531
Diamond Sutra .................................................................................... 531
5. Last Teaching Sutra ........................................................................... 531
6. Verse of Homage to Buddha’s Relics ................................................. 531
7. Meaning of Practice and Verification ................................................ 531
8. On Faith in Mind .............................................................................. 531
9. Harmony of Difference and Equality ................................................ 532
10. Precious Mirror Samadhi ................................................................ 532
11. Song of Verification of the Way ....................................................... 532
12. Disaster Preventing Dharani .......................................................... 532
13. Great Compassion Dharani ............................................................ 532
14. Heroic March Dharani ..................................................................... 532
15. Ambrosia Gate .................................................................................. 533
16. Victor’s Dharani ................................................................................ 533
17. Buddha Dharani ................................................................................ 533
Other Sutra Texts .................................................................................... 533
S : P  C S ..................... 533
S : P  B-B ............................... 534
Symbols ..................................................................................................... 534
1. Kannon Sutra ..................................................................................... 534
2. Ten-Line Kannon Sutra .................................................................... 536
3. Verse from the “Life Span” Chapter .................................................. 537
4. “Supernatural Powers” Chapter ........................................................ 538
5. “Easy Practice” Chapter ..................................................................... 539
6. Heart Sutra ......................................................................................... 541
7. Diamond Sutra ................................................................................... 542
8. Last Teaching Sutra ........................................................................... 546
9. Verse of Homage to Buddha’s Relics ................................................. 550
10. Meaning of Practice and Verification ............................................... 550
Chapter One: General Introduction .................................................... 551
Chapter Two: Repenting and Eliminating Bad Karma..................... 552
Chapter Three: Receiving Precepts and Joining the Ranks ................ 553
Chapter Four: Making the Vow to Benefit Beings.............................. 553
Chapter Five: Practicing Buddhism and Repaying Blessings ............. 554
11. On Faith in Mind ............................................................................ 555
12. Harmony of Difference and Equality ............................................. 556
13. Precious Mirror Samadhi ................................................................ 557
    XXXVII

14. Song of Verification of the Way ....................................................... 558

15. Disaster Preventing Dharani ........................................................... 559
16. Great Compassion Dharani ............................................................ 560
17. Heroic March Dharani .................................................................... 560
18. Ambrosia Gate ................................................................................. 562
19. Victor’s Dharani ................................................................................ 570
20. Buddha Dharani ............................................................................... 571
S : P  C ................ 572
Diagram of Circumambulation ............................................................. 575
S : P  D M .................. 576
S : P  H O M-
D B, E. ...................................................................... 578
1. Procedure for Handing Over Merit-Dedication Book ...................... 578
2. Procedure For Handing Over Prostration Mat, Sitting Cushion,
and Incense Stand ................................................................................... 579
S : P  O ................................. 580
Daily Sutra Chanting Services ............................................................... 581
Prayers Sutra Chanting .......................................................................... 581
Sutra Chanting for Buddha and Ancestors ........................................... 581
Two Ancestral and Three Buddha Memorials ..................................... 581
Revolving Reading of Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutra .................... 582
Food-Offering Assemblies ........................................................................ 582
Sending Off Deceased ............................................................................. 582
S : P  W  E 
G C ................................................................................. 583
Diagram of Envelopes ............................................................................. 586
(1) Formal Envelope Affixed with Bands .............................................. 586
(2) Envelopes Folded in Thirds .............................................................. 587
Diagram of Greeting Cards ................................................................... 588
S : P  P N Y’
G  L R C ................................... 589
Eko Text .................................................................................................. 590
S : P F W N,
S, P,  B ...................................... 591
1. Notices .................................................................................................... 591
A. First Three Days of New Year ........................................................... 591
XXXVIII       

B. Schedule of Sutra Chanting for Ancestor Memorials ...................... 594

C. Example of Writing for Sequence of Ritual Procedures ......................596
2. Statements (Buddha’s birthday assembly) ........................................... 597
Formal envelope ..................................................................................... 599
3. Placards ................................................................................................. 600
A. Placards Hung in Buddha Hall ....................................................... 600
B. “Verse of Bathing Buddha” Placards ................................................ 600
C. “Heroic March Universal Dedication of Merit” Placards .............. 601
D. “Start of Spring” Talisman ............................................................... 602
E. “Guard Fires and Candles” Talisman ................................................ 602
F. Monk Registration Placards .............................................................. 603
G. Placards for Two Rows of Officers .................................................... 603
East Row .............................................................................................. 603
West Row .............................................................................................. 604
H. Placards for Five Acolytes ................................................................. 604
I. Placards for Ceremonial Procedures: Some Examples ...................... 605
J. Quarters Placards: Some Examples ................................................... 605
K. Various Quarters Sounding Boards: Some Examples ..................... 606
L. Various Placards in Sangha Hall ..................................................... 607
(1) Hall Monitor Placard: One Example .......................................... 607
(2) Small Placards: Some Examples .................................................. 607
M. Various Placards in Bathhouse ........................................................ 608
(1) Bathing Order Placard ................................................................. 608
(2) Small Boards Inside Bath: Some Examples ................................. 608
(3) Various Placards for Opening Bath ............................................. 609
N. Verse for Ringing Bell ....................................................................... 610
O. Verses for Face Washing ................................................................... 610
P. Verses for Meals ................................................................................. 612
Q. Verses of Purification ......................................................................... 613
4. Banners .................................................................................................. 615
A. Mountain Seat Ceremony .................................................................. 615
Brocaded Banners .............................................................................. 615
B. Food-offering Assembly ...................................................................... 615
Large Banners .................................................................................... 615
“Five Tathagatas” Banners ........................................................... 616
“Four Deva Kings” Banners ........................................................ 616
Small Banners .................................................................................. 617
C. Funeral Rites ...................................................................................... 619
Banners for Funeral of a Venerable Monk ..................................... 619
    XXXIX

Banners for Funeral of a Deceased Monk ........................................ 619

Four White Banners ........................................................................ 619
Heavenly Canopy .............................................................................. 619
Coffin ................................................................................................. 620
Six Destinies ...................................................................................... 620
Banners for Funeral of a Householder ............................................. 621
S : P  W S T
 S B .............................................................................. 621
1. Spirit Tablets ...................................................................................... 621
2. Stupa Boards ...................................................................................... 623
A. Bardo Stupa Board ........................................................................ 623
B. Seven Stupa Boards ...................................................................... 626
C. Annual Memorial Stupa Boards ................................................... 626
D. Rectangular Stupa Post .................................................................. 627