Characteristics of the Bodhisattva Precepts
The Merits Attributable to the Bodhisattva Precepts
Request for Acceptance of the Bodhisattva Precepts
Contents
of the Bodhisattva Precepts
The Bodhisattva Precepts comprise of three main sections covering the areas of strict precept adherence, all-goodness cultivation and deliverance of sentient beings.
- Strict precept adherence : This is to achieve self discipline. It requires the observance of all precepts observed by the seven categories of Buddhist cultivators, and aims at segregating from all evils and impurities so that the original Dharma body of perfect purity can be revived.
- All-goodness cultivation : This is to practise all good deeds. It includes the perfection of our actions, speech and thoughts, as well as the arduous practice of the Six Paramitas so that the state of Buddhahood can be effected.
- Deliverance of sentient beings : This is to benefit all others. It can be done in the following ways -
i. Participate in all wholesome acts that are of benefit to sentient beings.
ii. Help those who are ill and those who care for the needy.
iii. By using the most suitable methods, preach both worldly and transcendental Dharma to all sentient beings that they may attain wisdom.
iv. Be grateful and benevolent
v. Relieve sentient beings from all kinds of fear by offering suitable counseling to alleviate their grief or pain over what they might have experienced.
vi. Relieve sentient beings from poverty by offering whatever material necessities they may require
vii. Follow the guidance of proper Dharma to accomplish virtue before helping to deliver others.
viii. Give solace and comfort to the needy to rid them of all fears.
ix. Praise the truly good.
x. Earnestly reprimand the transgressors and wrongdoers to make them reform.
xi. By way of transcendental abilities, show others the evil paths to deter them from doing evil.
Characteristics of the Bodhisattva Precepts
The spirit behind these precepts is the resolve to positively practise the good apart from ceasing to do evil, with the ultimate objective of propagating the Dharma and delivering all sentient beings. Anyone who does not cherish such a spirit or vow to accomplish this will not be considered as having the 'Bodhi' resolve, which is what distinguishes a bodhisattva from an ordinary cultivator.
Another reason why the Bodhisattva Precepts are considered different from the other precepts is that they were not initially drawn up out of circumstantial requirement. The Buddha acknowledged that the spirit of the bodhisattva is inherent in human nature, and the precepts are there just to help us revive it.
The Merits Attributable to the Bodhisattva Precepts
The Bodhisattva Precepts supercede all the other precepts because they are the contents of practice by which the seven Buddhas of antiquity accomplished their Buddhahood. In the Sutra, it is explicitly stated that all future Buddhas would also have to practise the Bodhisattva Precepts to ensure accomplishment. This means that these precepts constitute the fundamentals of the Buddha's Way.
It is also stated in the Sutra that five merits can be derived from observance of the Bodhisattva Precepts :
- It can invoke support and protection from all the Buddhas.
- It can inspire Right View and breed happiness at the moment of death.
- It can effect rebirth in the company of bodhisattvas..
- It can effect the accumulation of merits and virtues, and final accomplishment of Buddhahood.
- It can ensure perfect attainment of blessings and wisdom in this life and the lives to follow.
Request for Acceptance of the Bodhisattva Precepts
It is said in the Sutra that whoever comprehends the Dharma Master's discourse is eligible for acceptance to observe the Bodhisattva Precepts. Three grades are distinguished in those who take acceptance :
- The ones who actually inspire the presence of the Buddhas or Bodhisattvas to preside over the acceptance ceremony are considered the 'top grade' cultivators.
- After the Buddha entered into Nirvana, those who have the fortune of requesting the presence of bodhisattvas within a vicinity of a thousand miles of the Buddha's resting place to preside over their Acceptance ceremony are considered the 'middle grade' cultivators.
- Those who could not find a Dharma Master to preside over the Acceptance ceremony and could only make their vow in front of the Buddha's image are considered the 'low grade' cultivators.
As with the Five Precepts, the Bodhisattva Precepts can be partially or fully accepted. What is crucial is the resolve to abide by the spirit of ' deliverance of the self in order to deliver others; benefit the self in order to benefit others'.
