| Precepts
Precepts XII : To Refrain from Disparaging the 3 Treasures
And so we come to the “last” of the Precepts (although the circle never ends and everything goes round and round). The twelfth precept is
… Seek not to Defame the Three Treasures (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha) ….
Truly, it is where the circle begins, for our Precepts beginninglessly “begin” with “Taking Refuge in the Three Treasures“..
Our reflections this week are comments from the Zen Peacemakers and Great Plains Zen Center on this Precept and an audio talk (about 22 minutes in length) of a wise and simple talk by Soto Zen Teacher Meido Barbara Anderson.
Please comment and discuss if you’re inspired, once you’ve spent some time with these teachings. Use the button on top to join the discussion on the forum, and see what everyone else has to say.
ASSIGNED READINGS:
Meido Barbara Anderson – The Tenth Precept, Not Disparaging the Three Treasures:
From Jundo Roshi:
I would also like to point out two parts of the closing portions of the Ceremony, please ask if there are any questions about the meaning. More detailed instruction on the Ceremony are in this guide
Receiving a “Rakusu” and Certificate
When instructed by the Kaishi, the Recipient goes before the altar and kneels (if possible) to receive the “Rakusu” and Lineage Certificate. … When instructed, place the Rakusu atop one’s head and recite the following (Takkesage, Verse of the Kesa) three times
.
Robe of liberation boundless
Field beyond both form and formless
Wearing the Tathagatha’s teachings
Vowing to free all sentient beings…
The Kaishi will say: We will now symbolically exchange places. Symbolically, as I circle around you, all members of the Sangha who have previously undertaken Jukai, all Teachers, all Buddhas and Ancestors are circling around you to welcome you. Please close your eyes and see that you are now sitting where I am sitting. Picture yourself sitting in this chair where I have been sitting. Place your hands in Gassho and see me, and all the Buddhas and Ancestors, as we now circle you three times and I intone the traditional words. Close your eyes. The Kaishi will now circle the Recipient three times
The Kaishi says: A person who receives the Buddhist Precepts enters the state of Buddha at once. They stand at the same level as Gautama Buddha. We can say they are a child of Buddha.
After the Kaishi has recited these words once, he repeats the words again, bowing down and turning clockwise to walk around the chair. He circles the Recipient three times continuing to recite the words in a low voice ringing the handbell.
After the Kaishi has finished walking around the chair, the Recipient opens the eyes, returning to his/her place, and bows to the Kaishi with hands joined in “Gassho”.
Nishijima Roshi says this:
Sekishin: The tenth precept is Do not abuse the Three Jewels.
Gudo: And so we come full circle, back to where we began, at the Three Devotions. The Three Jewels means the Three Devotions of Buddha, Sangha and Dharma. The tenth precept is not to disparage or abuse, and to esteem each of these. If we fully wish to pursue the precept to esteem the Three Jewels, to revere the Three Devotions, this precept of not speaking falsely of the Three Jewels shows us a means to do so.
In conclusion, I believe that the rationale of the Ten Fundamental Precepts … in fact, the rationale of all of the Buddhist Precepts, the Mahayana Boddhisattva Precepts … is to serve as a guide, each pointing toward the best ways for us to live in this life, in this real world … how to live benefiting both ourselves and others as best we can.
In our Ceremony, this is phrased …
To seek as you can, in this body and life, to refrain from disparaging the Three Treasures, Buddha, Dharma, Sangha
These Precepts were retained by Buddhas of the past. They were transmitted by Ancestor to Ancestor. Now I bestow them upon you. Will you seek to keep these Precepts from now to the end of your life?
Deep Bows, and thank you to all for your sincere efforts toward this Jukai. Just be good, seek not to do bad.