行堂

诸方丛林清规。上殿过堂。列为要务。如来亦重食时。故着衣持钵入城乞食。我国气候冷暖不匀。故僧制过堂食斋。而有行堂之苦行单。皆为真发菩提心者争而任之。以期结十方缘。

宣化偈曰：
普贤大士调众味。观音菩萨任天厨。
文殊弥勒同应供。清净大海饭食忙。

Serving as attendant of the hall

The pure rules of eating in the formal style are an important concern of all Buddhist monasteries. When the Tathagata wished to eat, he donned his robe, took his bowl, and entered the city to make his begging rounds. However, since the conditions and climate of China are not the same as those of India, the Sangha members practice abstention in their eating and accord with the regulations of the formal style. The Master undertook the difficult duties of being the monastery's steward. With his mind set on enlightenment, he waited on tables in order to bear his share of responsibility. During this time he tied up conditions with many beings of the ten directions.

The verse says:
Great Bodhisattva Universal Worthy blends the myriad flavors,
As Kuan Yin Bodhisattva manages the heavenly kitchen.
Manjushri and Maitreya Bodhisattvas together respond to offerings,
While the sea-like assembly of Bodhisattvas are engaged in taking their meal.