The world of Tzu Chi May 2020 (Vol.122)

2020 • 05 50 harma “B hiksus, after my passing, revere and honour Pratimoksa like a person in darkness who sees a light or a poor man who attains treasures. Know that it is your great teacher, no different from when I was in this world.” This sutra passage points out that after the Buddha entered Parinirvana , his disciples needed to pass on his spirit and the UPHOLD PRECEPTS CHAPTER 2 Bhiksus, after my passing, revere and honour Pratimoksa like a person in darkness who sees a light or a poor man who attains treasures. Know that it is your great teacher, no different from when I was in this world. Those who uphold the pure precepts must not engage in peddling, selling or trading, take possession of land or houses, or raise or keep dependents, slaves, servants or livestock. They must not undertake farming or accumulate wealth; they must stay as far away from all these as one would a fire pit. They must not cut grass or trees, nor till or dig the soil. Furthermore, they must not make medicine, become a fortune teller, or use astrology to predict profit and loss or make divinatory calculations. They must discipline their body and eat at the right time, and maintain purity in living. They must not participate in worldly affairs or act as emissaries. Do not use witchcraft or magic potions, or associate with those in high positions and thus become disrespectful and arrogant. Instead, you should rectify your own mind, maintain right mindfulness, and strive to transform yourselves. Do not cover up flaws or display extraordinary powers to delude others. With regards to the Four Offerings, you must be self-disciplined and content. When you receive offerings, you must not hoard them. This briefly provides descriptions for how to uphold the precepts.The precepts are the foundation directing us towards liberation through propriety and obedience; they are therefore called Pratimoksa. Following the precepts will enable you to achieve all kinds of Samadhi, eliminate suffering and attain wisdom. Therefore, bhiksus, you must uphold the pure precepts and not break them. Only if you can uphold the pure precepts will you encounter goodness. Without pure precepts, no merits and virtues of goodness can arise. Therefore, you must know that the precepts are the most safe and stable place where merits and virtues abide.