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The Ten Precepts
These ten precepts, explained in Nagarjuna's Great Discourse on the Perfection of Wisdom (S. Maha Prajna Paramita Sastra, C. Ta-Chih-Tu Lun, J. Dai Chi Do Ron), are further elaborated by Chih-I in the fourth volume of The Great Calm-Observation (C. Mo-Ho Chih-Kuan, J. Maka Shikan).
The lower precepts are likened to the master potter's making of vessels, symbolizing the spiritual vessel that can hold and serve the Dharma.
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# |
Precepts |
Description |
Violation |
Level |
|
1 |
Not cracked |
Embracing the fundamental nature of the precepts |
Vessel cannot hold the Dharma |
Rules of discipline |
|
2 |
Not broken |
Holding the different precepts without forgetting them or lapsing |
Vessel breaks apart into pieces |
|
|
3 |
Not pierced |
Embracing Prayascitta - atonement for sins causing one to fall into purgatory |
Vessel is pierced and leaks |
|
|
4 |
Not adulterated |
Embracing the precept with meditative concentration |
Impure thoughts |
Serenity of Mind |
|
5 |
Following the path |
Following and obeying the principle of truth - the first fruit |
Improper views |
Absolute Truth |
|
6 |
Non-Attachment |
See the absolute truth and becoming noble- the three fruits |
Improper intent |
|
|
7 |
Praising Wisdom |
Praising the Buddha's name and words - Bodhisatta practice |
Limited to Two Vehicles |
Mundane Truth |
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8 |
Mastery |
Mastering the Buddha's words - Bodhisattva mastery |
Mastery of ways & means |
|
|
9 |
Samadhi |
Surangama Samadhi that includes all Samadhis - neither arising or extinguished |
Bodhisattva limited to ways & means |
Middle Way |
|
10 |
Perfection |
Insight into the Middle Way & |
Without total enlightenment |
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Since July 9, 2001