Monastic Garden Rules of Procedure (律苑事規)

The Great Chan Master Baizhang of wisdom once adapted the Vinaya precepts to create the “Pure Rules for Chan Monasteries,” which were widely practiced throughout the world. Yet those of us in our Vinaya school did not fully measure up to this standard. However, the two patriarchs, Nanshan and Lingzhi, composed extensive commentaries and records over many years. By the Xianchun era of the Song Dynasty, the late Venerable Sitang Si of Mingqing Temple submitted a request to have these texts included in the canon, and they were distributed throughout the land. This was indeed a great contribution to our school.

It is a pity, however, that the specific ceremonial procedures and practices had never been compiled. I have repeatedly received letters from the former abbot of the Great Mingqing Temple, Master Huyan, earnestly urging me to collect these materials. Recently, I arrived in Wulin to attend the Prajna Liberation Dharma Assembly, and upon returning to Mingqing Temple, Master Fohu Zong, as well as the senior elders Ziyong, Wenyu, and Zhiguan, again requested that I take up my pen to write this work. Their resolve was most dedicated—all of them are true dragon-elephants of the Vinaya school.

Thus, I have reviewed the commentaries and records anew, consulted the ocean of Vinaya teachings, and also examined the ceremonial standards of the Chan school. From this, I have compiled “The Regulations of the Vinaya School,” along with an appendix of essential phrases, totaling over one hundred thousand characters. Now I have them carved into blocks for printing, hoping they may serve as a model for future generations. But I, Xingwu, am of shallow knowledge and learning, and I still worry there may be omissions. If scholars of great insight would correct them and supplement what is lacking, that is my deepest hope.

Written five days before the Ullambana Festival in the year 1325 by Xingwu, abbot of Yanzhong Monastery on Mount Siming.