Next, the variousstewards consult in the store hall about what seasonings should be used on thefollowing day, what vegetables should be eaten, how the rice gruel should beprepared, and so on. The Rules of Purity for Chan Monasteries says, "Whendeciding about ingredients as well as the flavors and numbers [of side dishes]for meals, first consult with the stewards in the store offices." Thestewards referred to here are the prior, comptroller, assistant comptroller, rector,cook, and labor steward. When the flavors and numbers have been decided, writethem on the announcement boards in the abbot's quarters, common quarters, andelswehere.

After that, ready thenext morning's rice gruel. When washing rice, preparing vegetables, and so on,do so with your own hands, with close attention, vigorous exertion, and asincere mind. Do not indulge in a single moment of carelessness or laziness. Donot allow attentiveness to one thing to result in overlooking another. Do notyield a single drop in the ocean of merit; even a mountain of good karma can beaugmented by a single particle of dust.

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