21.典座 Serving as verger

典座

典座師為僧坊大眾服務。必任勞任怨忍辱第一般若妙智。亦不可少知群眾之口味。節常住之金錢。供養心殷先人後己愛習物質。檢視新陳。慎因果于毫釐。分功過于一念。豈可忽諸。

宣化偈曰： 天廚妙供味清香。禪悅為食樂汪洋。 法喜充滿周沙界。食已經行退密藏。

Serving as verger

The verger ministers to the members of the monastery. He must be able to patiently bear hard labor and enmity alike, become foremost in subtle prajna wisdom, and be familiar with the varying tastes of the assembly at large. He must be frugal with the Permanently Dwelling’s money, and, with a sense of reverence, place others before himself. He should always be careful with material objects. He must check the left-overs and see how much new food needs to be cooked, being attentive to cause and effect in the most minute detail. How could the Master as verger be indifferent to the merit or demerit of any single thought.

The verse says: The heavenly kitchen’s wonderful offerings are savory and pure. The feast consists of delight in dhyana, an expansive sea of bliss. The joyous Dharma completely fills and encircles dust-motes of worlds. After the banquet is over and done they withdraw and stroll around.