Prudence was the hallmark
of each member of the monastery’s senior minority, striving to be perfect in his personal life, behavior, craft or area of service. Perfection was that which can be carried into the inner world for a lengthy stay. Elders realized this more than the others, for they conclaved in deep togetherness, supervising every artisan’s training of his apprentices and observing closely the results. Correction was freely given and deemed necessary even by those who received it. Yet, the attitude that nothing was amiss always preceded all others. While others were trainees, seniors were the monastery itself, wisely watching from afar as artisans made corrections. They had a responsibility to become, remain and thereafter be the perfect examples of the guiding shastras. Aum.§