When this mountain monk[I, Dôgen] was in Song China,on my days off I inquired of retired elderly monks who had held minor andimportant offices, and they shared something of their views with me. Theirexplanations are the bones and marrow bequeathed by the buddhas and ancestorswho were possessed of the way in ancient times. As a rule, one should carefullyread the Rules of Purity for Chan Monasteries. After that, one should pay heedto the detailed explanations of those retired senior officers.

The duties of the cook overthe course of a single day and night [are as follows].

First, following themidday meal, go to the offices of the prior and comptroller and get theingredients for the next day's meals: rice, vegetables, and so on. Havingreceived them, protect and be frugal with them, as if they were your own eyes.Chan Master Yong of Baoning [Monastery] said, "Protect and be frugal withmonastery property, which is [like] your own eyes." Respect and value themas if they were ingredients for an imperial repast. These cautions apply tofresh and cooked things alike.

From: Tenzo Kyokun - Insturctions for the Cook by Eihei Dogen - Translated by Griffith Foulk