Five
Precepts (Panca Sila), by our Enlightenment Teacher Buddha Ji Gong.
* Below is a Rough English
translation of the 5 precepts, given by our Great teacher Buddha Ji Gong. Due
to my lacking in English and Chinese language proficiencies, I am unable to
translate the true meaning of the teachings from our Great Teacher Buddha Ji
Gong. To make some sentences connect, additional words have been added in the
English language to facilitate reading and understanding. Thus, this text is
only a rough translation and if there are any errors, this does not reflect
upon the mistakes of the teachings, but rather the fault of the translator. If
any errors or ambiguities are found please feel free to point out and rectify.
Thank you to the Grace of Heaven, the great Virtues of our teachers and all
Buddhas and Saints for this teaching and learning opportunity. *
Foreword:
In the
year of “Ren Chen” of the Chinese Calendar, Buddha Ji Gong came to the temple
to teach us the 5 precepts. The teachings were given once a month, and were completed
in 5 sessions. Besides explaining the meaning of 5 precepts in detail, our
teacher also taught us the right mentality of cultivation. The teachings given
by our teacher are deeply reflective upon ourselves as “Bai Yang” period
cultivators and we should all know these teachings.
The original print
of the 5 precepts had missing parts and the words unclear in meaning. With
reference to the audio recording, this text is now reorganized. All related to
the overview of 5 precepts are now included in the first chapter (Overview of
the 5 precepts).
（1）五戒綜論 5 Precepts Summary
1.
Precepts are to help us transcend from life and death, and not just to
impose restrictions. They are like the rail tracks that the train runs on, and
it will be very dangerous if the train derails. Precepts are boundaries, like a
map that points out where we can go, and where not to. With boundaries, we will
not wander away from the norm. If we exceed or overstep from our boundaries,
this is “breaking the precepts”. Abiding
by the precepts can help us develop our compassionate heart, subdue our wayward
thoughts and walk towards ultimate wisdom.
2.
Precepts are the roots to transcend from life and death. If we do not
know precepts, we will unknowingly commit a lot of mistakes. Even if we are building
merits, the income (merits) does not meet the expenditure (mistakes). With the
restrictions from precepts, we can avoid making a lot of mistakes. Every
religion has precepts, but the difference is in the name. Five precepts do not
belong solely to Buddhism, but rather, it is the fundamental requirement for
cultivators who wish to receive fortune.
3.
Regardless of whichever religion, precepts are the common method.
Thoughts are the root of all-evil, and we have to break all evil to cultivate
our holy nature, and grow our wisdom. Therefore cultivating Tao requires 3
purities: Body, Mouth(Speech) and Heart (Inner thoughts).
4.
The 3 learnings, “Jie, Ding, Hui (Precepts, Samadhi, Boddhi in Chinese)”
have precepts “Jie” as the foremost. The sentient beings of the last era of
Dharma are stubborn and lacking in wisdom, and cannot realize their Buddha
nature instantly; therefore they have to start with cultivating precepts. Precepts
are the root to cut away all evil. Receive Tao is to tie good affinity, but
precepts are the fundamental to performing goodness and cutting away all evil.
5.
We can realize truth instantaneously, but we need to practice things
step by step. Everyone has Karma and habits brought about from their many past
lifetimes and it is not easy to get rid of it in one go. Therefore we have to
follow step by step, the precepts accordingly, to subdue our bad habits and
character. Do not think of following precepts is the lower of methods. If we do
not follow basic precepts, speaking Dharma or explaining sutra is not
realistic.
6.
In our Tao temple, following Buddha rules and regulations are the
precepts. Not killing is benevolence or compassion. Not stealing is
righteousness. Not committing Adultery is following propriety. Not telling lies
is trustworthiness; no drinking or intoxication is wisdom. The middle way does
not deviate from Precepts, Meditation and Wisdom.
7.
Precepts can help our family be harmony and happy. If we want our
society to be in harmony, everyone should cultivate precepts and discipline
oneself.
8.
Precepts are very fine in details, and we may easily make mistakes if we
are not careful. If we consider precepts as troublesome and therefore refuse to
understand them, we will leak our fortune and all our hard efforts will be
wasted. Isn’t this regrettable? If future, when we return to heaven, we are
just a cultivator student in “Tian For Yuan”, a place where people who did not
cultivate in life but did not do bad deeds in the past go in heaven, to make up
for their lack of cultivation. Therefore we must know the precepts. A
cultivator following the Bodhisattva path is not afraid of troublesome. Even if
they cultivate in a busy bustling area, they are able to turn worries into
Bodhi. Only Arahans are afraid of corruptions, and will run to the deep
mountains and cave to self cultivate.
9.
Do not treat precepts as restrictions, and do not use precepts to
measure others. Cultivating 5 precepts or not is up to us, and whether we cultivate
100% or we fail depends on us. Our teacher will not force us. If we cannot be
strict with ourselves, and always treat ourselves with leniency, then we will
be unable to accomplish our virtues.
10.
The Precepts of “Do not kill”, “Do not steal”, Do not commit adultery”,
“Do not lie” are called “Xing Jie”, which means precepts to prevent sins
against our Buddha nature. Regardless of anyone, whether with knowledge of
precepts or not, if we commit these 4 sins, we harm our Buddha nature and will
bear the Karma or Cause and Effect. Alcohol is the “Preventive Precept”, the
precept that prevent or stop us from committing sins. Because alcohol is the
cause of all evils, we have to abstain from alcohol in order to not commit the
sins of Killing, Stealing, Adultery and Lying.
11.
Water, because of potential energy, can generate electric energy, light
energy, thermal energy. Water is not electricity, electricity is not water, but
they can change between matter and energy. When we commit an action or thought,
this is planting a cause, this “seed” will be planted in our 8th
consciousness and converted into karmic energy, and results in the 6 ways of
reincarnation. If we can follow precepts and cultivate, we will have the karma
energy to rise up and break through the cause and effect layer. Without
cultivation, this energy will decrease.
(2) 殺戒 The Precept of
“Do Not Kill”.
(Panatipata Veramani Sikkhapadam Samdiyami)
1.
“Killing” is not only wielding a knife and killing humans or animals.
When the thought arises, or in delicate and fine situations where we do not pay
attention, we will commit “assist in killing” karma.
2.
“Killing” are of many types: Suicide, Murder, Accomplice in Killing, Praise
Killing. All are considered “Killing”.
3.
We should not plant the seed of “committing suicide” in our
consciousness, or we will at least have 7 fruition of “committing suicide”
continuously. This is also a warning for Young couples that commit suicide
together in the name of love. Those who do so may bring another addition of
co-joint twins in this world.
4.
All sentient beings value life above anything else, and to save lives is
to start with not killing. In the 10,000 practices of a Bodhisattva, great
mercifulness is the root of all practices. Therefore, one should abstain from
killing.
5.
If all people in Taiwan stop killing and turn to vegetarian, within 2
years time there will be bountiful harvest, and farmers do not need to spray
pesticides. A few thousand years ago, in the times of the Saint Kings “Yao” and
“Shun”, there was no pesticides, but the harvest was good.
6.
Those who sell pesticides help with the farmers good harvest, but as a
result killed countless lives. The karmic effect of this killing still remains
and one day will be repaid. The fruition of the karma seed can be in this life,
the next or in the next multiple lifetimes after. For example, planting
different type of seeds takes different time to mature and reach fruition.
Vegetables can be harvested quicker, whereas fruits may take up to a few years.
7.
If someone asks you about abortion, and you agree saying “Yes Yes
Abort”, this is “assist killing”.
8.
If we see people hosting a feast, and you praise the number of meats
dishes available and agree to the killings or feasting, or if we agree to other
people’s decision to serve meats in a wedding or feats, all these are
considered “assist killing”.
9.
Those who sell Chinese medicine with animal derived ingredients should
think of using this ingredients as medicine, and not as a motive for killing
animals. But do not ask the patients to add chicken, or meat as extra. If
patients ask, just say it is not required, or we commit “Assisted killing” and
pay the karma price. For example, when someone was killed accidentally by a
gangster is the result or effect of “assisted killing” eons of lifetimes ago.
10.
Those who buy medicine with ingredients from animals should think of it
as medicine mandatory for cure and should stop immediately once the sickness is
cured. Do not take such medicine as tonics or ask the doctor to add “animal
derived ingredients” when it is not required.
11.
Those who sell western medicine, for example, drugs and medicine that
can be used as abusive substances etc
have to bear karmic consequences. In the eightfold paths, there is a
“right livelihood or occupation” and thus, we should select the right
livelihood with no “assisted killing” karma.
12.
When we see people killing, do not praise or be happy about it. Do not
say that this meat is good or nutritious. When you are a guest at someone’s
house, do not let them kill because of you.
13.
Those doing business should not involve in selling knifes, staves etc
that may be used as a weapon for killing. People in this line of business carry
such karma for multiple lifetimes.
14.
Those who invent killing machines for abattoirs etc will not have descendants
for every lifetime. Do not design or invent such machines.
15.
Alcohol will mess with the mind, and is a cause of sexual misconduct or
crimes. Do not sell alcohol, buy alcohol as a gift to others, or drink alcohol.
16.
Do not sell coffins. Coffin sellers sometimes curse others to die so
that they may get business. This is a terrible heart. We can buy coffin to
donate to the needy but not with a heart with intention to curse others.
17.
Do not wear real leather, like leather jackets, shoes, belts, handbags.
Those that are expensive and imported are not what cultivators should go to
indulge in. If we did not buy it intentionally, it is best to throw them away.
Synthetic leather is ok.
18.
Martens have a loving character, and when they see humans faint in the
ice lands, they will use their body fur to warm and revive them. However,
hunters use this against them and catch them. Animals have such love, yet
humans are so cruel. Cultivators definitely cannot wear marten fur jacket.
19.
We must be cautious when lending money to others as we do not know their
usage, we risk committing “assisted killing”, for example if the money is to be
used for abortion.
20.
We must donate wisely. If we donate to temples that have killings and
offer sacrifice and have banquets, we have to bear the karma also. If we donate
to temples that offer vegetarian offerings, then this is fine. If we donate in
the temple where people come to propagate Tao, and help a lot of people
cultivate, then this brings about very great fortune. It is very easy to cultivate
fortune in the Buddha temple, and every grain of rice seeded brings back ten
thousand grains of harvest.
21.
Do not sell fishing rods or the fished fish will settle their scores
with you too.
22.
Killing pregnant fish is a heavier sin than normal, as every egg is
considered one life.
23.
Do not barbeque meat. Pigs are especially attached and their soul will
hold on to the body until all is eaten or rotten before the soul will
reincarnate. Butchers who kill pigs often chant the saying that “Piggy you are
but a dish in this world, so do not blame me, but blame those who eat you, for
if they do not eat, I do not kill; So look for those who buy you for debts.”
And the buyers will say “Piggy Piggy do not blame me, for you are but a dish in
this world. If they do not kill, I will not buy, so go look for those who kill
you instead.” All people know killing is not good but find it so difficult to
abstain from it.
24.
Now medical science is advanced, but strange illnesses are increasing.
The fruit bearing from the karma from killing can only explain all these.
25.
Using insecticides is not good, as insects want to survive too. So long
if we clean and tidy our area, there will be less insects. The more we kill,
the more they are. The tigers do not grow more though no one eats them.
Chickens, Ducks, Pigs are more, as we eat more of them now.
26.
There are different weights of “Killing karma”. For example, for the
young to kill the old, like killing parents, teachers are the gravest of sins
and will fall into the 3 evil paths. To kill a human is a heavy sin. To kill
animals is a lighter sin. Killing others because of insanity, or to save saints
or multiple people, is also a lighter sin, but there is still karma. Humans are
closer to attaining Buddhahood, so the sin is heavy. Animals are further to
attaining Buddhahood, so the sin is lighter.
27.
Cultivating the way of Bodhisattva is to be mindful of thoughts and to
protect the pure good heart and to be harmony with all beings. Others might say
that chicken and ducks are born to be eaten, and if not eaten, they will be too
many of them. However, tigers can also eat humans, and mosquitos suck the blood
from humans. Therefore, are humans also born to be eaten by tigers or their
blood sucked by mosquitos? We have to put ourselves in other people’s shoes, in
order to not misdirect our lives.
28.
If the Buddha statue is old and broken, we have the wrap it up and store
it in a clean and proper place. We cannot burn it and mix the ashes with the
rubbish, as this is disrespectful to Buddha. When Buddha was alive, there is a
precept of not harming or hurting the Buddha. Now that Buddha is not in this
world, Buddha statues are the symbol, and we cannot destroy Buddha status with
a bad heart.
29.
If our mother wants to kill chickens or ducks, we should do our best to
advise them not to. If unsuccessful, we should chant Buddhas’ name and the
chant to let them reincarnate.
30.
After making the vegetarian wish, the animals we rear should be left
till they die and bury them. Chant some Sutras for them to help them
reincarnate. Do not sell the animals or let others kill the animals.
31.
If we accidentally killed someone, we should do merits and transmit to him
or her. If we killed others by accident, then this is a lighter sin, but if
intentionally, then it is a heavy sin.
32.
When buying food, vegetarians should check ingredients carefully and ask
clearly. If we accidentally eat un-pure vegetarian or non-vegetarian food, we
should go back and burn incense and repent in front of Buddha.
33.
If the your boss/employer asks you to buy meat, and you cannot reject,
then you must think of the meat as something that is not related to you or your
use.
34.
During our Birthdays, we must not kill. Your birth is not great, and
during this day, many lives have to die. Therefore, this is not conscionable.
35.
When our ancestors pass away, it is best to have vegetarian meals during
the funeral and do not kill. For non-vegetarian families, we should eat
vegetarian meals for 49 days. Husband and wife should sleep separately for 49
days also. All these can help reduce our ancestors’ bad karma.
36.
To pray for something and offer a pig as a sacrifice or is giving
trouble to ourselves. Before we achieve anything, we have already sinned. Do
not make sinful wish. When praying to deities,
or during funerals, do not host opera shows, strip shows and follow the bad customs.
When we pray to ancestors, we should use fresh flowers, fruits and vegetarian
food and with a respectful heart. Using meat and alcohol to pray to our
ancestors will only increase their sin. Bad customs must not be followed.
37.
Enjoyment is
spending our fortune, and suffering is alleviating our sin. If we are in bad health even after becoming
vegetarians, then this is our killing karma from previous life that is yet to
be repaid. If we see other people’s business or health in bad condition, we
cannot say that they have heavy karma. This will “kill” their compassionate
heart, and is considered committing the “killing” precept.
38. The Karmic effects of Committing Killing:
I. Fall into the 3 evil paths
(Animal {Tirtagyonigati}, Hungry Ghosts {Preta}, Hell {Nirayam})
II. If born as a human, illness will
be often and lifespan short. Those who have much sickness should “fang sheng”
meaning “release animals in captivity”. There are two types of “fang sheng”.
Firstly, it is release sentient beings. The second is to release the inner
sentient beings, ie. all our attachments, let go of our arising thoughts and
worries. In Chinese, sentient beings “Zhong Sheng” are the collection of
multiple troubles.
III. External endeavours will lack
luster, for example, business will become poorer, or lack affinity in human
relationships.
IV. Always have poisonous heart.
Butchers will start to look like pigs, and chicken killers will have face like
a chicken, and in the mind, killing thoughts will always arise.
V. Always have fear in the heart, and when one is
sick or walking in dark places, fear will always arise.
VI. Frequent nightmares.
VII. Hated by sentient beings, ignored
and without good human affinity.
VIII.
Horrific death, especially for those who committed heavy killing, and
all karma will arise, giving them a horrific death.
39. The Karmic effects of
abstaining from killing:
I.
Cultivate fearless contribution: Giving sentient beings and animals no
fear.
II.
If born as human, less sickness and longevity.
III.
Growing compassionate heart, worries decrease.
IV.
Break away from hatred, and less bad temper.
V.
Sentient beings will come close to you and the deities and spirits will
protect you. For every precept we follow, there will be a good deity to protect
you.
VI.
Frequent without nightmares, and good sleep.
VII.
In future lifetimes, you will have fortune and prestige.
VIII.
Resolve grudges, and build good affinity with many.
IX.
Reborn into the pure land.
(3) 盜戒 The Precept of “Do Not Steal”.
(Adinnadana Veramani)
1.
Nowadays society is unstable, and there are thieves and robbers.
Educators, religious leaders should bear some responsibility for education.
2.
“Stealing” includes “Mobbing, Robbery, Fraud, Extortion etc”
3.
Mistakes that cultivators often commit in temple:
I.
When we have troubles, we come to temple to pray with big incense, but
we take incense from temple. This is taking from the temple, and making
mistakes before we do merits. The owner
of the temple is Buddha and not Dian Chuan Shi. It is best to burn incense at
our own expense. We rather give to Buddha than take from Buddha.
II.
In public temple, we should pay mone when using the temple telephone.
III.
When we are doing cooking in the temple, we can taste the food, but if
we taste more than we should, then this is greediness. The things in the temple
are donated by many kind devoted people and belong to the temple.
IV.
When we buy things for the temple, do not take them back in big and
small bags from the temple. After Dharma class, we can take leftover food that
we cannot finish back home, but we should buy fresh food and bring back to the
temple. Of course, personal items are a different matter.
V.
When we buy offerings to the temple, we cannot eat them first. They must
be offered to Buddha first.
VI.
When Tao Qin donates money, we must use it according to their wish. For
example, if they want to use the money for buying incense, then we use it for
incense. If it is for monthly expenses, then we should do so accordingly.
VII.
The tools we use to clean temple must be reserved for temple use only
and kept clean at all times. For example. The mob we use in the temple hall
must not be used in the kitchen, room or toilet.
VIII.
Flowers to be used for offering to Buddha must not be sniffed, as this
will become unclean. It is used for offering to Buddha, not to humans, and its
scent is for Buddha to know, not us.
4.
Those who work in government or public companies should not take home
office items like envelopes, pens etc. All these are considered stealing from
the country or the company.
5.
Teaching others to evade Tax, or make free calls, sending articles
without payment, or taking public transport without ticket are all considered
stealing.
6.
When doing sales & business deals, there must be proof of purchase,
and if there are price fixing and insider deals, all these are considered
“stealing from the company”.
7.
The below are not considered “Acts of Stealing”:
I.
Mistaken a similar item as your own. For example, we have an umbrella
and mistook another one as our own.
II.
Mistaken as a gift: Mistook an item as a gift for me and took it.
III.
Mistaken it as a disposed item and for me to take home.
IV.
Temporarily borrowed: Borrowing the use of a pen and telephone and upon
finished usage, return the item back to its original position.
V.
Taking without asking from a close friend or relative. For example,
taking something from the fridge because you are so close to your
friend/relative. However, if you are not close, then this is “stealing”.
8.
The severity of the stealing sin is also different. Depending on where
we steal from. If we steal from the temple, then the sin is heavy. Every needle
or thread should not be used lightly, because they belong to all Tao Qin, and
not the minority. If we donate in the temple, and benefit the cultivators, then
this fortune is bigger, and spreads throughout the ten directions and worlds.
9.
After we donate, we should not be attached. Whatever we do, Buddha knows
so we do not need to ponder about our donation or need to have our names carved
in the temple pillar (if we do, everyone who comes to the temple to pray will
also pray to your name, and all your merits will be finished). To escape from
the Karmic force, we need to let go off our attachments, just like the rocket,
which require enough propelling force to escape gravity.
10.
If we cheat other peoples’ money, we will be reborn as dogs (to watch
over other people’s doors, like a servant), or as pigs (to be sold for money)
and depending on how much we owe, we will be reborn multiple times until our
debt is paid. Loan sharks are also a form of stealing.
11.
We can eat at temple, and tissues or daily essentials like toothpaste
etc can be used. But we should not be stingy and should do donation also.
12.
If we find money on the road, we can use it to do charity, and this is
not considered stealing. We cannot use this money for ourselves.
13.
Of the 5 precepts, the precept of “Do not steal” has the most intricate
details. There is even more rules for this precept in monkhood and we will not
discuss in detail here.
14. The Karmic effects of
Committing Stealing:
I.
Fall into the 3 evil paths. (Animals, Hungry Ghosts, Hell)
II.
If born as a human, he or she will be poor and low in caste or social
status. If there is money, it will not be easily accessible.
III.
Crops or properties will be affected by disasters of fire, water,
ice/snow etc.
IV.
If other people loses something, we will be suspected.
V.
Our body will be in suffering often and our mind will be with
frustrations and worries.
15. The Karmic effects of
Abstaining from Stealing:
I.
We will have riches and they will not be lost.
II.
Many people will adore us and trust us.
III.
Your good name will be known and praised by many in the ten directions.
IV.
Unafraid in front of many, and people do not dare to lie to or cheat
you.
V.
Body and mind will be in joy and peace, and transcend to the heavens
(deva-lo) after life is up in the human world.
(4) 淫戒 The Precept of “Do Not Commit
Adultery”.
(Kamesu Miccha-Cara Veramani)
1.
When we are full (from eating) and warm, we have sexual desires. Of all
evil, adultery and sexual misconduct is the top of all evils. If our material environment
is too indulgence or rich, it brings about opposite effects. In the past,
people have only simple food and tea, yet they live long and healthy. Now, we
can eat everything from the skies, land or sea and yet we are not healthy. If
we eat too full, all kinds of wayward thoughts and desires arises, especially nowadays
media propaganda about violence, sex and negative actions, and all these leads
us to fall and remain in the reincarnation cycle. In the past, a well known
scholar known as “Bai Le Tian” asked a Buddhist Master who sleeps on the tree
whether he is afraid of falling down. However, Mr Bai forgot that he is in the
mortal world and risk falling down the abyss of reincarnation and temptations.
2.
People die from eating, or while enjoying themselves but none die from
cultivating.
3.
The most binding thing in the universe is “sexual desires”, and this
desire is more tempting and addictive than all drugs. If we cannot let go of
this desire, than we will be stuck in reincarnation.
4.
All Buddhas of the past present and future consider “Sexual desires” as
the filthiest of all things. Since we are cultivating the Bodhisattva way, we
should self discipline ourselves in this aspect. To abstain from sexual desires
is not to cut off all husband and wife relationships. Between a married couple,
this is not a sin but it is something to control and follow propriety. If it is
similar relationship outside the boundaries of a married couple, then this is a
sin, for example, where money is involved, or extra-marital affairs. These are
the cause of all social problems and should be stem out.
5.
When sexual desires arise, there is no recognition of relations, and all
kinds of immoral acts and incest can occur. This is against all moral laws and
country laws. In the past, even cultivators in the mountains had such immoral
relations with animals like monkeys, goats etc when such desires are
uncontrollable!
6.
Sexual desires are like fire, and when the fire burns, it becomes
uncontrollable. If we need to treat the root cause, we need to start with
purifying the mind, and to extinguish this fire internally. In everyday life,
we should not eat too full (this induces sexual desire) and at home, we should be
barefooted, as this keep us cool and can help reduce the “fire”. To escape from
sexual desires, the best way is to stay away from things that induces sexual
thoughts, like pornography books, novels, magazines, videos, movies, meat
market etc. It is best for our eyes to stay away from such corruption. Males
like to watch such things, and thus their eyes start to rot first after
passing. We should read or chant sutra and holy books more often, and when our
sexual thoughts arises, we can counter it by chanting the sutra, and slowly
such desires will diminish. To rid us of sexual desires is like trying to break
the cow ligament, which is very difficult. (Cow ligament is soft and flexible
and thus not easy to tear apart or break into pieces).
7.
As mortals, we have desires, but we need to exert self-control. The
husband and wife relation is the basic morals and fundamental between heaven
and earth, and both man and woman must respect each other, and have spiritual interactions, not just
sexual indulgence. Else, how different are we from the animals? On the 1st
and 15th of the lunar month, or during Buddha and Bodhisattvas’
birthday, we should refrain from husband and wife sexual relations. If our
family members pass away, we should also refrain from this for 49 days.
8.
We should think of husband and wife sexual relations as a momentarily pleasure, and cannot
fulfill eternal joy. We should focus on a healthy body and relationship to
cultivate and build a good family. Sex is only a attachment, and not the main
relationship of a couple. Humans should abide by propriety and with propriety,
we can maintain harmony and order in the family.
9.
Sexual desires are the root of the life and death cycle. If we cannot
cut away from sexual desires, we will forever be in the cycle of life and
death.
10.
For those unmarried, we should manage well in our current family, so we
can manage another family in future. Couples, Parents, family members come
about because of affinity, and we should harmonise this fate and affinity. We
cannot treat all these relations as baggage or burden and avoid from this
responsibility. If we do not harmonise these relationships this lifetime, in
future lifetime we will have an unwholesome affinity with them.
11.
All marriages should follow affinity. Do not praise other people’s
marriage and say that marriage is good, or reject to other people’s marriage.
Other people have their affinity and karma to go through, and we should let
them follow their affinity and resolve their karma. Let nature take its course.
12.
Do not brag about your beautiful and happy marriage in front of people
who have divorced.
13.
Dian Chuan Shi is chaste, and should not have any man and woman
relations. DCS cannot be matchmaker or marriage
witness.
14.
Do not use the Temple as a place for dating, because the temple is a
peaceful place for cultivation. If we have affinity, then we can date outside
of the temple.
15.
Young, teenage man and woman should respect themselves and their bodies.
Marriage should be agreed upon by both parties’ families and only after the
marriage can sexual relations between the couple happen. We cannot have pre-marital relations.
16.
Sexual desires is the most
binding thing in the universe and if we cannot abstain from it, we can use
Buddha’s teachings of using
Contemplation (Viparsana). Contemplate that our bodies are dirty, our nose
mucus, eye discharge, our excretion etc are all dirty. When we see prostitutes,
we should think of them as our parents and sisters in our previous lives. (All
sentient beings in the 6 paths are our parents in previous lives and we cannot
harm them). Using money in exchange for sex is the most immoral.
17.
Things or Actions that can induce sexual thoughts like breeding dogs,
mating them to produce puppies etc are not what cultivators should engage in.
18.
When horse riding, the riding action can easily arouse sexual desires,
and we are mistreating the animals when riding them. A cultivator should not go
horse riding.
19. The Karmic effects of
Committing Sexual misconduct:
I.
Fall into the 3 evil paths. (Animals, Hungry Ghosts, Hell), because
these misconducts are actions of animals and go against morality.
II.
When born in the human world, our wife will not be chaste. We should not
womanise other peoples’ wife, or our wife or daughter will bear the same karma
and be womanized by others. Do not destroy the nests of birds, or the ant hill,
or in one of our lifetimes, our family will also be destroyed.
III.
Sexual desire is the cause/seed, and reincarnation is the effect/fruit.
When cultivating the Bodhisattva way, abstaining from sexual desires are the
first checkpoint we must go through. Bodhisattva is afraid of cause, and if
there are still sexual desires, then we will continue to plant affinity and
reincarnate. With sexual desire, we are unable to escape from the 3 domains and
transcend from the cycle of life and death. To abstain from sexual relations
and marital relations is very difficult. So long if we can follow this precept
and perform morality, we can still get married. Because sexual desire is a
natural part of the human body, and rather that suppressing it, we can release
it the right and moral way, so we do not become mentally perverted (due to too
much suppression).
20. The Karmic effects of
Abstaining from Sexual misconduct:
I.
Our sensory roots will be good, and will not be wavered easily. This
means we are calm and still (Samadhi Bhavana), and wisdom grows.
II.
For those of us who abstain from sexual misconduct, when we are in the
human world, our parents, clan relatives, wife and family members are pure,
filial and chaste, and abstain from all sexual sins and cause all sentient
beings to be uncorrupted.
III.
Humans and deities respect us and praise us for our good conduct.
IV.
For those of us who abstain from sexual conducts (chastity precept), we
will attain Buddhahood and our image is solemn.
V.
Able to transcend from life and death, and attain Buddhahood earlier.
(5) 妄語戒 The Precept of “Untruthful or
unrealistic talk”. (Musavada Veramani)
1. This precept includes not
slandering, no rude or harsh or vulgar speech and no frivolous talk.
2. Able to give words of wisdom that can encourage
human morals is the speech of a successful orator. In order to be eloquent in speech and have a silver tongue, this
has to be cultivated by not lying for 3 lifetimes.
3. If we lie too much, the karma
effect we get is unable to talk or unable to speak clearly.
4. It is easy for business people to
commit this sin and to cultivate this precept. If we lie to earn business, then
we should think of earning this money is what the other party will use for
enjoying (eating, drinking etc) and we are earning it from them to use for
donation on their behalf (which we must perform accordingly). This can help
offset some of the demerits from lying.
5. Males giving sweet and touching
words to the wife is called “loving talk”, does not count as lying. But if such
sweet words/talk is towards other females, then this is frivolous talk (Nice
and beautiful lies).
6. When politicians go into
election, they make promises or speech in order to win votes and popularity, so
that they can hold on to their position. Educators should purify peoples’
hearts but even the education sector is now commercialised. Movie and Sing
Stars exaggerate to package themselves. All these behavior will harbor karmic
effects of untruthful talk.
7. After bring people to receive
Tao, we must provide “after-service”, which means to use the practical truth
and moral teachings to objectively encourage them. We cannot say words like “If
you come to receive Tao or setup family temple, then your illness will
definitely get cured” etc.
8. We should speak according to our
ability. Do not overstate your ability or exaggerate. A philosopher once said
that every lie requires 10 lies to cover up. If we lie often, this becomes a
habit and we start to like lying. This results in trouble and even people dying
coming from our improper speech and lies.
9. When we are free, we should not
gossip or speak tales about others. This is wasting our life.
10. Do not reveal other people’s
private matters or other people’s sad/tragic history. This is easily committed
by females, and thus when female passes away, the mouth rots first.
11. This precept of unrealistic or
untruthful talk is difficult to uphold. When we talk, do not harm other
people’s dignity. Do not make others angry and do not be too unrealistic. Definitely
do not destroy the harmony between a husband and wife. A couple’s business is
theirs, and we should not be busybodies. We have to be careful with our tongue,
and should say words that benefit others and nurture them.
12. If we often say kinds words
instead of words of abuse, we can build good affinity with many people.
13. Mentioned below are a few
occupations that uses verbal abilities for their main role, and these
occupations are what cultivators should avoid.
I.
Lawyer, Barrister, Attorney. As the old Chinese saying goes:
“One life time as a magistrate, nine lifetimes as a ox to payback.” If we are
in these occupations, we can often determine a person’s life or death with
words. Therefore we should be fair, just in judging the case, and not be biased
or even take bribes. If we do not carefully use our power and authority, we can
easily undermine other people’s lives or future.
II. Fortune teller, psychics. Fortune teller often say “If you do not do this, you will get this
result etc etc”. This is bad speech. If we are in such a occupation we have to
be more indirect and give objective suggestions.
III. Feng Shui Masters (Geomancer). It is easy for geomancer to say “If you do
not change this, then you will suffer this in a few years etc. etc.” or words
that might hurt people.
IV. Taoist monks. When our senior family members pass away, we will invite Taoists monks
to perform rites and chanting during the funeral to guide their souls into
heaven. If they can truly do this, the
Yama kings will truly fear them. But how do the Karma and cause & effect
work if everyone can just go to Heaven with Taoist rituals? Therefore this
Taoist ritual (used by Chinese) is only a custom, and for the relatives of the
deceased to feel better. If we need to
do chanting during funeral, we need to find those who are cultivating and
vegetarians. Those who are not vegetarians have sins themselves (as they still
eat meat) and how can we expect them to guide other souls to heaven, if they
themselves cannot transcend to Heaven?
14. If for 3 lifetimes, we do not lie, then our
tongues can touch our nose. If our tongue is thick and red in luster, then we
are honest folk. For women, if our front teeth is wide and thick, we can are
good in helping our husband take care of family and manage finances. If our
teeth have gaps in between, like a mouse, we have scheming heart. If our teeth
is not in good formation, then we have lied many times in our previous lives.
If a woman’s voice is sharp and loud, then this woman is fierce. If a woman’s
voice is coarse, then this is not feminine. If a woman’s voice is soft and
smooth, then she will enjoy good fortune and prestige in this life. If our
eyebrows covers our eye, then we will be protected by people and so will our
descendants.
15. Cultivators do not go for fortune telling, but
build our own fortune or fate/destiny. If our destiny/fate is not good, we can
change it. To change our destiny, we should start by changing our hearts, and
not by changing our appearance. If we cannot speak clearly or not eloquent in
speech, we should follow this precept and next lifetime, we have eloquent
speech and silver toungue skills.
16. “Qing Kou” (Clean in mouth) does
not only mean vegetarian diet but it also encompasses clean speech, i.e. no slandering, no rude or harsh
or vulgar speech and no frivolous talk.
17. Gentlemen should not swear or talk with
vulgar words. Women should not scold their husband, and when scolding children,
there must be a boundary. Do not scold the children with harsh and vulgar
words.
18. If other people are troubled with family or
couple issues, do not advise them to divorce or say something that might
provoke them. If they commit suicide or results in death, then this is killing
through words, which means we make sin from disregarding the 2 precepts of Panatipata
Veramani Sikkhapadam Samdiyami & Musavada Veramani).
19. In order to save others or help
them resolve their troubles, kind words of lies are not considered breaking
this precept.
20. Cultivator should stay away from
vulgar speech, words that cause others to worry or become misguided and words
that break apart relationships or cause suffering.
21. Do not be trust other people too
easily and confide in them your feelings. This is to prevent gossips from
happening in future. In any situations, it is best to praise others, and not
slander others. This can help prevent gossips in future.
22. Even though the tongue is soft, but it can be
sharper than a knife. Many right and wrongs comes about from the mouth and
tongue. That is why we should speak good and useful words. If we accidentally
said something unpleasant or vulgar, we should repent and use the repentance
heart to make up for our mistake/sin.
23. People who are lost and down in mood requires others
to show care and concern for them. That is why we should put ourselves in their
position and not ask them to accept our opinions. This is selfish.
24. When we deal with matters, we should observe
carefully and not make conclusions simply. Once, Confucius’s student was
cooking rice and something dirt fell from the roof into the rice and the
student ate it for fear of his teacher Confucius falling ill from dirty food.
However, Confucius saw it just when the student was eating the rice, and scold
him for no propriety and eating before the teacher. The student explained
himself and Confucius gathered all the students and said “Even with my own
eyes, I see and misunderstand others. So, not to mention the things you hear
for when words are passed on by the third party, would they not be distorted
from the truth. Therefore, be mindful and investigate the facts before we act.
Do not base our actions on other people’s one sided views or use a suspicious
attitude, lest we stir up misunderstandings and wrong others. Even a saint like
Confucius can be wrong also, not to mention us.
25. Politicians have a lot of karma
effect in the future, and cultivators should stay away from politics. We should
not follow other people’s in their demonstrations or campaign and speak words that stir up other people’s
hearts. If we have relatives in politics, try not to participate.
26. Young ladies if going to encourage other
people should use a compassionate heart. Do not mix up personal feelings or
other people may misunderstand. If both parties have affinity, then they should
date together properly.
27. The Karmic effects of Committing
Musavada Veramani
(a)
Fall into the 3 evil paths (Animal {Tirtagyonigati}, Hungry Ghosts
{Preta}, Hell {Nirayam}).
(b)
Often criticise by others and be wronged by others. Often rejected by
others.
(c)
Easily cheated by others or reprimanded by others.
(d)
Others do not accept suggestions we give.
(e)
Unable to speak clearly, for example we have speech defects, oral
deformities like tongue-tied or split lips etc.
(f)
Unable to achieve sainthood not matter how much we cultivate.
(g)
We will have bad breath that is incurable. We will also have body odour.
By become vegetarian, we can reduce this condition. If we eat meat, we will
have more odour.
28. The Karmic effects of
Abstaining from Musavada Veramani
I.
Our mouth is pure and clean and gives out a nice fragrance, even without
mouth spray. Buddhas does not commit Musavada Veramani lifetime after lifetime,
and thus their tongue can stretch out and cover their face. After cremation of
their physical body, their teeth will be whole and untouched.
II.
Respected and trusted by beings in many realms, and people alike.
III.
Our hearts is often happy and so is others as we do not lie or speak
untruth and live in a truthful and down to earth environment and social circle.
IV.
In future lifetimes, we will often hear pleasant sounds and not sounds
that will affect or trouble our mind.
V.
Increase our solemnness, and attain eloquent speech and silver tongue.
Our wisdom and speech skills will be invincible.
(6) 酒戒 The Precept of “Do Not take
Intoxicating liquors and drugs”. (Sura-Meraya-Majja-Pamadatthana Veramani)
1. Though liquor or drugs is not
meat, but it is the root of all evils. When we become intoxicated, we lose our
sanity and soberest and commit “killing, adultery, lying” unknowingly. After we
become sober, it is all too late then. Therefore, we should cut away from all intoxications.
Thus this precept is also known as the “Preventive measure”, to stop us from
committing other sins and breaking other precepts.
2.
What are the sins and demerits from consuming liquor/alcohol/drugs? Why
is it that Buddha prohibits us from such consumption? Reasons below:
I.
We will lose our fortune, our merits gradually. We cannot drink alcohol,
and cannot give alcohol to others. If we follow this precept, and yet buy
alcohol as gift to others, then we will not have limbs for 500 lifetimes (which
means to become soft vertebrate animals without limbs.) When we go overseas, do
not buy alcohol or duty free liquor back as gifts.
II.
Our senses will be ignorant or obscure, and we will lose our wisdom in
future.
III.
Nowadays there are many illnesses. It is easy for us to get liver
illness, diabetes, kidney problems, stomach problems and many diseases etc if
we take intoxications.
IV.
We will increase our hatred, and like to stir up trouble, fight or even
kill. People often use alcohol to boost their courage in the wrong way, and
thus fights or even crimes and sexual sins are committed by using alcohol.
Drinking and eating and entertainment enjoyment are unwanted baggage for
cultivators and we must use our wisdom to overcome these desires. In social
life and interaction, we should use tea or soft drinks to replace alcohol.
V.
When we have sexual desires, other desires will flow out and when we are
drunk, we will have all kinds of hallucinations and fantasy. There is no more
propriety or shame anymore.
VI.
We will lose propriety if we drink. Imagine we are dressed very well and
look dignified, but after a few drinks, all kinds of solemnness are lost. We
will behave inappropriately, speak swear words, stumble around and make a fool
out of ourselves. Or we may commit adultery and cause a lot of family problems.
VII.
We will leak business secrets
when drunk, and our career will not be successful. The business world is like
warfare, and if we leak competitive secrets or information, we will be fired.
If we are the owner of our business, we may face business closure due to lack
of good fortune or karma.
VIII.
When drunk, we will disrespect our parents or our teachers. Some people
even beat up or kill their parents when drunk. Alcohol causes us to lose recognition
of relatives or kin.
IX.
Our parents will not like us to drink, and our relatives will detest and
stay away from us. Drinking alcohol gives us odour and bad breath, and is
detested by family and is a bad influence to the younger generation.
X.
After intoxication, we will forget about the Triple Gems (Triratna), and
break our precepts. We will forget about our vegetarian or purity vows and
precepts, or even leak the secrets of the Triratna 3 Treasures.
XI.
If we do not follow this precept (always like to drink and enjoy), good
people will stay away from us, and bad people will come close to us. Birds of a
feather flock together, and the friends we have are what we are too.
XII.
Our mind and body are not in harmony and always troubled. We will often
think of unrealistic things.
XIII.
We tend to do more things against the law.
XIV.
Many things will not go according to our wishes, and we have troubles
and sufferings. After we break our precepts, our conscience will not be clear,
and our hearts will not be at peace.
XV.
This sin of intoxication is a
waste of our lives/time and it is a habit that we cannot kick easily.
XVI.
After we pass away, we will fall into the hell realm.
3. If we need to treat illness, and
alcohol is needed in the medicine, this is permitted so long if we do not get
drunk. This is the baseline. External applications of medicine can contain
alcohol.
4. Tonics that include alcohol in
their contents should not be drank. This is too strong for us and also induces
sexual desire. This is not good.
5.
The Karmic effects of committing the sins of intoxication of liquor and
harmful drugs.
I.
When we die, we fall into the hell and we suffer in the hell of “toxic
ingestion” hell.
II.
When born as a human, we will be dull in wisdom, arrogant, unruly and do
not believe in the teachings of the saints and Buddhas.
6.
The Karmic effects of following the precept of no intoxication of liquor
and harmful drugs.
I.
Our mind and will be wise and with clarity, and always in peace. If we
become a priest, monk or Jiang Shi (Lecturer of holy teachings), we have good
judgement, and will not have wayward or fantasy thinking. When we are doing
things, our mind will be with focus and concentration.
II.
Easy for us to follow the first four precepts mentioned earlier. Therefore,
we can follow the precepts and not make heavy sins or serious offences.
III.
In our next life, we will be born in the human or heavenly realm, and
not fall into the 3 evil paths.
