Chapter Two : Doctrine 25
A Christian pastor said to the Founding Master,
“Since time immemorial, all religions without exception have talked about precepts. But it seems to me that these instead oppressed the innocent inherent nature of human beings and restrained their free spirit, thus creating many obstacles to edification.”
The Founding Master said,
“What makes you think that way?”
The pastor said,
“There are some people in this world who for no particular reason reject religions because they do not understand their truths, but many hesitate to enter a faith even while sensing the sacredness of those doctrines because in their hearts they feel uncomfortable about precepts. Wouldn’t this type of person have been open to deliverance were it not for precepts?”
The Founding Master said,
“You only know to lament the fact that such people may not be open to deliverance; but haven’t you considered the grave consequences in other areas? We have thirty precepts and, since none can be eliminated, I have people keep them all. However, we prescribe precepts to individuals in stages according to their level. Whoever enters our order for the first time will have some difficulties severing their old secular habits; for them we prescribe ten precepts that can easily be observed. Then, at the next two stages we prescribe ten more each. After a practitioner masters all thirty precepts, we don’t prescribe any more, but leave it to the person’s discretion, because a person who has achieved that level will know in advance what is appropriate and inappropriate and behave accordingly. However, people who have not reached this level cannot be left alone without any precepts; for, how can a neophyte be treated the same as a knowledgeable practitioner? There are far more ignorant people in this world, but what you just advocated is only appropriate for one in a thousand; but how can we prescribe a dharma that is appropriate only for a few and neglect the rest? Furthermore, if we lived by ourselves, it wouldn’t matter if we just did as we pleased. But in the world we face a web of various kinds of laws and are widely watched by the general public; so, if we indulge in wrongful conduct, where will we hide? Therefore, I conclude that when a person goes out into the world, one should be cautious of every step as if treading on thin ice, so as not to deviate from the human Way. Thus, I cannot help but prescribe precepts to practitioners.”
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Thirty Precepts
A. Ten Precepts for the Ordinary Grade
1. Do not kill without due cause.
2. Do not steal.
3. Do not commit sexual misconduct.
4. Do not consume intoxicants without due cause.
5. Do not gamble or play idle games.
6. Do not use harsh speech.
7. Do not fight without due cause.
8. Do not embezzle public funds.
9. Do not borrow or lend money between close friends without due cause.
10. Do not smoke tobacco without due cause.
B. Ten Precepts for the Grade of Special Faith
1. Do not make decisions about public affairs by yourself.
2. Do not speak about the faults of others.
3. Do not be obsessed by the pursuit of gold, silver, and precious gems.
4. Do not be ostentatious in wearing clothes.
5. Do not associate with the wrong kind of people.
6. Do not talk while someone else is talking.
7. Do not be untrustworthy.
8. Do not speak flowery and ingratiating words.
9. Do not sleep at an improper time without due cause.
10.Do not frequent improper places where there is singing or dancing.
C. Ten Precepts for the Grade of the Battle between Dharma and Māra
1. Do not be conceited.
2. Do not have more than one spouse.
3. Do not eat the flesh of four-legged animals without due cause.
4. Do not be lazy.
5. Do not be double-tongued.
6. Do not make impertinent remarks.
7. Do not be jealous.
8. Do not be greedy.
9. Do not harbor hatred.
10. Do not be deluded.
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