Chapter Thirteen: On the Order 16

The Founding Master said, “Our institutions for ordained devotees allow people to cultivate our practice and pursue our work either by marrying and maintaining a household of their own or as celibate men and women renouncing their worldly desires through special vows. Thus, our order has a dharma for accepting and treating all ordained devotees according to each person’s particular vow. If, however, without a true vow arising from the heart, but only because of some circumstances or for one’s personal comfort, one practices a celibate life physically while envying the secular life in one’s heart, that would be a great loss for the person, the order, and the world. And not only that, but in the next life one will become a person with good looks who is ridiculed by many people. Hence, if one is not confident and sure, it is better to reconsider one’s decision soon of one’s own accord. If one has started with confidence in one’s commitment, then, with the firm resolution and splendid fidelity that one’s vow calls for, purify this Saha world and open the path of wisdom and merit for all sentient beings.”