The Importance of Understanding the Precepts and Their Value to the Sangha

The Reverend Songmin taking Novice precepts Vows at Sangha Weekend in Las Vegas.

I don't normally do this, and I am making an exception. I am grading final exam papers right now and have gotten to grading the papers for the "Buddhist Precepts" class that I teach. One of the students, Rev. Songmin, decided to write his final paper on the monastic precepts he will be taking next month in January to become a fully ordained Zen Monk. I was literally brought to tears while reading his submission. 

I should say that Rev. Songmin is not an exception in our order, he is representative of the quality and dedication of students we have within the Five Mountain Zen Order and attending Buddha Dharma University. I share an insight into a man who has struggled his entire life to find some sense of equanimity, having begun studying Zen Buddhism in the early 1970's. 

I am honored by his response, and I felt it too important not to share with the greater Mahasangha. So please read the final paper of Rev. Songmin, who will become a fully ordained monk next month, his take on Buddhist Precepts.

" When one enters the Buddhist Path, one “takes refuge” in the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. The aspirant can also take various numbers of Precepts or vows. These are a behavioral road map to the Path. The Path is our journey through life, trying to obtain enlightenment. In this pursuit, we join the Sangha for support. We are not separate, we practice together. Therefore a deep understanding of the Precepts enhances our unity and thereby helps our Practice. We teach what we understand and, in turn, learn from one another, a mutually beneficial and synergistic relationship. A profound understanding of what we are committing ourselves to is therefore fundamental to this relationship.

In committing to the Precepts, we should examine, first off, what the mental attitude should be in approaching this step. I was sitting in my kitchen last week and noticed some writing on the side of a box that was waiting to go out with the trash. “Zappo Family Value # 9: Be Passionate and Determined” it read. It struck me as highly noble for a shoe company; it sounded like something out of a Sutra. It also sounded like a good start for taking the Precepts. Haeja Sunim, my beloved former teacher recently sent me a Translation of The Prajnaparamita by Lex Hixon of which he is the editor entitled, “How to Recognize the Bodhisattva?” This beautiful document repeatedly talks about the “Irreversible Bodhisattva”. This is the attitude we must have. It is like jumping into the ocean. Naked or fully clothed, that water is going to soak you. The water, bathed in it, immersed from head to toe, will surround you. As we examine the Precepts, we even find two Precepts for this attitude, Make firm resolutions and Make great vows. So it is passion and full dedication that we seek as we accept this road map.

Let us proceed to give context and scope to this examination. We are exhorted to cease from evil, do only good, and then to do good for others. So, in that context I will proceed to examine each precept. I will look to see where evil can be stopped. I will also look to see where the good is. Finally, in the spirit of the Mahayana, I will examine how the Precept can be used in saving all beings.

I vow to respect my teachers and Friends in the Dharma. The point here is that we are dealing with the most Precious gift we have, our richest source of the Dharma. We must not entertain disparaging thoughts about the Sangha. Our thoughts must always be respectful; looking for what is good and positive. In this way, when visitors see our respect for one another, a light will go on.

I vow to abstain from entering into intoxicating situations or consuming substances intended to distract from this moment. This is all about maintaining the Bodhi Mind! If something is interfering with mindfulness, we need to pull back, start over and preserve our mindfulness. I saw a book recently that was titled something like, “My dog just died, my wife is driving me insane, and once again I have a hangover – Get up and walk like a Buddha! Catchy title with deep meaning. Try, try, 10,000 times. So there can be many situations that are intoxicating, we are to pull away, and be clearly in the moment, moment by moment. In this way, we benefit ourselves, and others. Pull away from anything that distracts and walk like a Buddha.

I vow to be conscious of what I consume. We eat several times a day. We should maintain the Bodhi Mind. What a practice field this presents from harming ourselves by over eating to harming other creatures by not being aware. We can take positive steps such as Vegetarianism. We can support animals by rescuing, or volunteering at animal shelters. Again, Bodhi Mind preservation.

I vow to maintain the integrity of the Student/Teacher relationship. In this culture, we are all too aware of people being used. We should not destroy a teacher/student relationship, this is golden. We should also be keenly aware of others being exploited.

I vow to encourage others to view past mistakes as learning opportunities that allow them to make better choices in the future. Here we cease from guilt and in doing so we free ourselves to learn. This is true compassion for self. Once we learn, we can teach and free all beings.

I vow to always request the Dharma and make offerings to visiting Sangha members. A true teacher will never request alms. So how the teacher survive? Sharing becomes essential. The Dharma is gold being given to us. It seems only natural to give in return, a stream of generosity flowing between us.

I vow to attend Dharma Talks and events that will open my heart and mind, thus enabling my practice to grow stronger and allowing me to be of better service to others. So much time is wasted on trivial pursuits. Snatch that time up and spend it studying the Dharma. Make yourself valuable for others.

I vow not to divide the Dharma into separate vehicles or doctrines by placing one classification above another. Wisdom is universally available and equal. Stop making divisions in unity. Soak it all up. Cherish it. Teach it freely.

I vow to always give care to the sick and needy. Some people run from sickness. Even animals sense when someone is sick and vulnerable. In a job interview once, I was asked why I take care of sick people. It suddenly occurred to me what an absurd question that was. I responded, “How can you not?” We are one. That sick person is us. Why do people save suicide attempters? How can you not?

I vow to abstain from the storing of weapons used to intentionally take away life. This goes back to Bodhi Mind preservation. Why would one, in the face of our unity, think about obtaining weapons, much less purchase them? They are only used for killing in one way or another. Free yourself from this. Encourage peace. Use peaceful words with others. Avoid conflict of any kind. Alarms should go off at the first feeling of discord. Join the work of Peacemakers.

I vow to abstain from serving as an emissary of the military, except in non violent role such a chaplaincy, medical positions and other roles that do not engage directly in the violent expression of military service. Ceasing from violence is clear. Educating yourself into a position where you can be a beacon is admirable. Working amongst those who have seen battle is dramatic. I think it gives more to you than to them. Then again, military service in combat may be the only thing that can crack a heart of stone and then they see someone who holds out hope.

I vow to conduct my livelihood in a way that is helpful to myself and others and refrain from business practices that limit the freedom or happiness of others. Even as a nurse I must respect each individual and the choices that they make. I am not there to control, but simply to offer help. When the relationship ends, no matter how it ends, the patient should walk away feeling whole, not diminished in any way. Perhaps, after thought, he will return and ask for help again. Arms always open.

I vow to communicate in a way that is true, accurate, and helpful and to refrain from speech meant to plant seeds of doubt, misinformation, or gossip. I was talking to another Sangha member years ago about a similar precept. He said that when he ceased gossiping at work, many wonderful things began to happen. He got his work done. His mind was quieter. His meditation was deeper. Everybody at work seemed to like him and trust him. Relationships are fragile, if you seem untrustworthy; you are undermining what good you have done. Promote peace and harmony. Remember, we are not separate, we are one. In Nursing School, accuracy of communication is a major theme. As a teaching tool, we frequently played the telephone game. The teacher would whisper a sentence in the ear of the first student and the sentence would be passed from one student to the next. At the end, the sentence was always completely altered to something unrecognizable. Take into account what gossip ends up as in this light, a ghost that came out of your mouth, with no basis in reality but now has an existence that you probably cannot stop, raw energy wreaking havoc coming from your mouth. Oh my! Speak only well when using those vocal cords.

I vow to support life by behaving in a way that respects and protects the environment as well as all beings and refrain from activities that cause harm. We are so fragile on this Earth. I have been alive for 65 years. In that time, the changes to the Earth have been dramatic and often destructive. It is sad to see degradation. We must cease destructive patterns and begin to tread lightly. Do we need to consume endlessly? Can we do something positive to help? Even if it is just holding on to that wrapper until you can dispose of it properly, then that is ceasing destruction. Preserve the earth intact or better for those yet to be born.

I vow to teach the Dharma in a manner that inspires awakening and well-being for myself and others. A Zen Teacher from Shasta Abbey was always saying, “Look Up”. Smiles and positive attitudes attract people. Thich Nhat Hanh encourages Smile Practice. The Dharma is profound and beautiful. It is not heavy. It is filled with hope. Talk about hope springing eternally, That is the Dharma. One of the qualities of Venerable Charama is that laughing, smiling, all accepting love that goes along with his teaching. It is totally alluring. Preach by smiling.

I vow to fully understand the Dharma so that I may teach it in a manner that is true, accurate and helpful. From the phone game, I know how degenerated a message may become. The Dharma is too precious to degrade. I have frequently talked about my desire to grasp the Dharma the way I had grasped Catholicism. To get to the point where action comes naturally without prior thought. At this point, knowledge becomes your blood and bones, there is no separation. It is you.

I vow to share the Dharma as freely as I have received it, with no personal gain as my motive. This aspiration is pristine, it leaves no dust. In fact, setting the goal of no gain as a motive is no motive at all. No dust, no trace, Pure Dharma in both word and action.

I vow to serve others with commitment, kindness, and integrity. This precept harkens back to the manner in which we should teach, inspiring. If we aspire to personality qualities that are gentle and inspire trust then the Dharma will flow whether we speak or not. Subhuti and Mogallana saw Buddha walking and knew instantly that he was the One. At work, there are many people who are committed, kind, and consistent. These are the people who really shine. This is what we should aspire to for the sake of the Dharma.

I vow to communicate in a direct and compassionate manner that promotes harmony and to refrain from speech that contains hidden or implied messages meant to cause harm or unhappiness. Right Speech. If we are practicing moment to moment, there is no possibility of harm from my mouth. I pray for a mouth that does no harm, does only good, and is only used for the good of others, I vow to liberate all beings from suffering and the causes of suffering. The only way to live this vow is to divest of the self, to accept the unity of all things as our true nature, and then we are caring all existence and become true Bodhisattvas.

I vow to treat others with respect and to refrain from behaving in a manner that violates, harms, or imposes revenge on others. We are one, if we harm others, we harm all of existence. Why so discord? Love is so powerful! The other night I was embroiled in an argument with my husband. At one point we touched and that was it. Argument ended.

I vow to conduct myself in a manner that is consistent with the Dharma: to remain humble and accessible and to refrain from arrogant and self important behavior. A teacher cannot be arrogant. A teacher should not even say that his way is the only way. There should be only offerings of gifts.

I vow to teach the Dharma with generosity and an open heart. What more attractive quality is there than the love of a mother? Total devotion. Look at all the human art that surrounds the Madonna. Turn east, the images of Quan Yin are everywhere. This is the Dharma itself in action. Your manner may say more than you words. Be gentle.

I vow to put the teachings of the Buddha Dharma into practice in my everyday life and teach others to do the same. Moment to moment, ceasing from evil, doing only good, doing good for others. Moment to moment, moment to moment.

I vow to be a Sangha member that acts with integrity and accountability. This can be taken on various different levels. For me, I believe it means taking ownership of the Sangha. I feel a responsibility as a Sangha member to keep the organization alive and functioning. I will do my utmost to support and nurture our Sangha.

I vow to share all offerings made to the Dharma or the Sangha. We are one, we receive as one. There is no separation, there is no separate self.

I vow to accept invitations given equally to all others and refrain from accepting invitations that exclude anyone based on gender, race, religion, physical condition or sexual orientation. Society abounds in separation. We can at least begin to heal the rift. We can reach out with open arms and let healing love flow.

I vow to be inclusive and invite all people equally regardless of gender, race, religion, physical condition or sexual orientation. We are one, invite them in. Open arm, only love.

I vow to conduct my livelihood in a manner that is helpful to myself and others and refrain from business practices that limit the freedom and happiness of others. My actions should benefit all. My livelihood is not really mine, it is ours. I could just as well be making thirteen dollars an hour in a physically challenging job. I am blessed with what I have, so blessed. It is not really mine.

I vow to give all Sangha members equal consideration and respect and refrain from engaging in any actions that might cause division and conflict. We must live the Dharma. The new member who may be different should be embraced. What meaning is there in someone’s award ways, only the ghost of judgmental thoughts. Even the blade of grass can teach. Relax and learn.

I vow to respect all clergy members and Dharmic objects. Once bowing ceases, Buddhism will cease. Physical movements that express respect have an effect on our own minds as well as the mind of the recipient of the respect. Bow to our clergy, they offer us all the love they can muster. Bow to statues who represent the unity that we share.

I vow to extend loving kindness indiscriminately to all sentient beings and to greet all experiences with openness, curiosity and acceptance. Each moment new and fresh, each moment with love, moment to moment with open arms, each moment with its own integrity.

I vow to approach all beings with respect and dignity and refrain from objectifying others. How easy it is to boil someone down to an easy label. We are all so much more than that. Accept all with openness and curiosity. Each individual is a facet of the Jewel.

I vow to always keep a clear and open mind. Again, how can we do this without moment to moment practice? It is a path; we take one step after another. At my age, I’d like to say that life is short but I don’t know that. None of us know how many moments we are afforded. Why worry, just accept moment after moment with enthusiasm.

I vow to make great vows. I love this precept. It encompasses the mind attitude of dignity. I will keep my vows even if standing in hell. It is noble.

I vow to make firm resolutions. Sticking by your word is an honorable goal. This Path is too valuable to take lightly. Jump in and hold on, but don’t do things half heartedly. Everyone admires a winner and aspires to be one. Be a winner.

I vow to keep myself safe whenever possible and to refrain from putting myself or others in environments where harm is more likely. This can be taken on many levels. Protecting the ones we love seems to be part and parcel with love. It is an aspect of love. We must love ourselves and maintain the Bodhi Mind. We must help one another to do so also. Stay out of harm’s way.

I vow to treat all members of the Sangha equally. We are one. Each individual is a facet of the Jewel. We are not separate. Accept each individual’s teaching with gratitude and joy and curiosity.

I vow to cultivate wisdom and good judgment. This is part of feeding our Bodhi Mind. What are you doing with your mind? Are we nurturing thoughts that bolster our commitment to the Dharma. Are we building a mind that is strong and can do the moment to moment practice. This will help all beings. Are you slacking off from your life? Are you awake or snoozing?

I vow not to unfairly discriminate against others when conferring the Precepts. Only love, open arms for all sentient beings. Make no judgments bout people. We are a lot more complex than a label. Seek to meet the Bodhi Mind of others. Embrace that essence in everyone.

I vow equanimity in teaching the Dharma and will not enter into teaching arrangements for the sake of profit. This is the purest aspiration. Giving without remuneration. Pure compassion. Giving without a motive. Making others happy for the sake of happiness better the entire of existence.

I vow to offer the Precepts to only those that wish to take them with a sincere and open heart. Discerning whose heart is sincere and open may seem difficult on the face of it, but Buddha recognizes Buddha.

I vow to uphold all of these Precepts. If, at the start of every day, we sanctify the day by setting our direction, by making Great Vows and Firm Resolutions, then the Bodhi Mind is awakened and that is a good thing for us all.

I vow to value the Sutras and the ethical guidelines set forth by the Buddha. Success came to Buddha, he gave us a formula. Accept the formula, put it into use. Practice.

I vow to teach and serve all sentient beings in ways that are appropriate for who they are. We all learn in different ways. Teaching is an ancient profession. In matching the teaching technique to the individual, we are acting skillfully. The Dharma, successfully transmitted is the goal.

I vow to teach the Dharma in ways that are appropriate and refrain from teaching in ways that cause harm. The Dharma is our Precious Jewel. We must teach in a way that only upholds this gift and not allow it to be disparaged.

I vow to consistently uphold the Dharma in my daily life. Again, moment to moment, every day, one step at a time.

I vow to keep the Dharma fresh and alive and vibrant and to refrain from any actions that might cause its destruction. By all of the above, we cannot fail. I bow deeply to the Sangha. 

Certainly a term paper cannot examine the various interpretations of the Precepts. Each reading gives further insight. On this reading I see that having the mental attitude of enthusiasm is deeply important. Dedication from moment to moment is essential. In any of the Precepts, the Mahayana Vows are essential. In keeping any of these Precepts, we cease from evil, we do good, and it benefits all sentient beings. I pray that I will be a Good Monk."

Trust me, he will be and is a great Monk.