Chapter Two : Doctrine 26 When the Founding Master was visiting the Pusan region, a few followers paid a visit and said,
“We have the utmost respect for the Great Master’s dharma, but since we make our livelihood by fishing, we are constantly breaking the first precept. We are ashamed and discouraged about this.” The Founding Master replied,
“Don’t worry! A person’s occupation is difficult to change overnight. Even if you break one precept out of thirty but earnestly keep the other twenty-nine, you will still be able to contribute immeasurable merit to society through your twenty-nine good deeds. Just because you are unable to observe one, why would you have yourself fall into the abyss of transgression and suffering by not observing the other twenty-nine that you could keep? Moreover, if you are able to observe the twenty-nine precepts well, then a way for you to observe the remaining one will naturally appear. With such faith, keep going with your practice without being discouraged.” 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. http://www.wonbuddhism.org/
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