| Precepts
Precepts II : The Three Pure Precepts
This time, for the next week, we will look at the three pure precepts, the next of the sixteen great bodhisattva precepts. The three pure precepts can be expressed in various ways. Please look at the suggested essays below, by Josho Pat Phelan, “Taking and Receiving the Precepts Part 3“, Bernie Glassman Roshi of the Zen Peacemaker Order, “The Three Pure Precepts and Bodhidharma” an. Master Sheng Yen, “The Three Sets of Pure Precepts“,
Again, it is not a matter that you or anyone has to agree with all the opinions expressed by these teachers, far from it. These readings are meant as seeds for finding the meaning of the Precepts for ourselves. A variety of views are expressed, the same, but often very different.
ASSIGNED READINGS:
Nishijima Roshi comments:
“The meaning of Work for the Rescue of All Sentient Beings is to seek to bestow benefit upon all forms of living things … not just to seek selfishly to benefit ourselves, but instead, to act by giving thought to all living creatures, great and small, existing beyond our own narrow selves. [Many] express these Precepts along the lines of “Avoiding wrong, doing good, seeking to do good for others” and like expressions. … We will see that all the Bodhisattva Precepts really focus upon acting in helpful and good ways benefitting self and others, who are not separate, while avoiding harmful and hurtful actions toward self and others. Both interpretations guide us to work for the rescue and benefit of all sentient beings.”
Here is the portion of our Jukai Ceremony at Treeleaf, about the Three Pure Precepts (called the “Three Pure & Universal Precepts” here). Again, the meaning you find in your own heart is more vital than the specific wording. However, if you have any question or comment, please feel free to discuss them in the forum thread
The Three Pure & Universal Precepts
Kaishi [Preceptor] says:
Now, the Three Pure & Universal Precepts.
No.1: To seek as you can, in this body and life, to avoid doing harm
This Precept was retained by Buddhas of the past. It was transmitted by Ancestor to Ancestor. Now I bestow this upon you. Will you seek to keep this Precept from now to the end of your life?
Yes I will. (Repeat three times, as Kaishi repeats the question “Will you seek to keep this Precept? Yes I will!”)
No.2: To seek as you can, in this body and life, to live in a healthful and helping way, doing good
This Precept was retained by Buddhas of the past. It was transmitted by Ancestor to Ancestor. Now I bestow this upon you. Will you seek to keep this Precept from now to the end of your life?
Yes I will. (Repeat three times after “Will you seek to keep this Precept?”)
No.3: To seek as you can, in this body and life, to live for the benefit of all Sentient Beings
This Precept was retained by Buddhas of the past. It was transmitted by Ancestor to Ancestor. Now I bestow this upon you. Will you seek to keep this Precept from now to
the end of your life?
Yes I will. (Repeat three times after “Will you seek to keep this Precept?”)
After last, Kaishi says:
You should do your best to keep these Precepts.