The Foundation of Practice: Teachings on Precepts

The Magnificent Merit of Precepts

The merit of upholding the Precepts is truly magnificent. All disciples of the Buddha should embrace them with sincerity. Spiritual practice is not a task for a single day or a fleeting moment; it is a lifelong commitment that you must uphold throughout this entire existence. It is important to understand that the Precepts are not intended for judging others, but for disciplining oneself. The Precepts serve as a protective shield for the life of the Dharma and the growth of our wisdom.

Mahayana Buddhism begins with the heart. Therefore, guarding the heart is the most primary and essential task for any practitioner. You must ensure that your hearts and actions are in perfect alignment, and you must be vigilant not to create karma. By doing so, you protect your precious spirit and your physical body. Strict self-discipline is the essence of diligent practice, while kindness toward others is the true expression of compassion.

Guarding the Heart and Body

Dignity and proper conduct manifest naturally through the observance of the Precepts. You must be cautious and constantly guard your Body, Speech, and Mind. Because the minds of ordinary beings are unstable and their thoughts are scattered, it is difficult to stop the cycle of delusions and discriminations. Therefore, one must hold the Precepts firmly to avoid creating further karma. The Five Precepts and the Ten Good Deeds serve as the fundamental foundation for all who walk this path.

The Three Levels of Spiritual Capacity

One might ask: if one has reached a state where no thoughts or mental notes arise, why would one still need to guard the heart? The answer lies in the level of one's spiritual capacity:

• The Highest Capacity:
• If one has no thoughts or mental notes arising, one is of the highest capacity and naturally abides in the truth.The Medium Capacity:
• If one still needs to consciously guard the heart and mental notes, one is of medium capacity.The Lower Capacity: If one's thoughts are biased and one must hold the Precepts tightly to stay on the right path, one is of lower capacity and must be especially cautious.

It is particularly vital for monastics to understand this. To know the Precepts yet violate them is a grave matter that leads to the suffering of the hells. You must take this warning to heart.

Returning to the True Self

When your true self arises without the interference of wandering thoughts, you will find that your life flows naturally with the Dharma. In this state, principle and phenomenon merge into one. You become one with the Precepts, and your actions are naturally pure. There is no violation because there is no ego-driven self to violate them. There is no karmic retribution because there are no deluded thoughts to trigger it.

I urge you to practise diligently to find your true self. Once you realise your true nature, all Dharmas are born from it. The non-action of Prajna wisdom knows everything. Be of one heart, one vow, and one action with the Buddha. In doing so, you will be able to save the world, rescue all beings, and reach the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.