The Precepts of Lay Bodhisattva

(Excerpt from the Chapter of Taking Precepts in the Patimoksa Sutra of the Upasaka)

 

[THE SIX GRAVE SINS]

1.The Precept of Killing
Followers of the Buddha! After an upasaka/upasika takes the precepts, even if he/she has to sacrifice his/her life, he/she should not kill any being, even if it is an ant. After taking the precepts, if he/she instructs others to kill or if he/she himself/herself kills, he/she loses the upasaka/upasika precepts. This person cannot attain even the state of warmth (usmagata), let alone the fruition of a stream-enterer or a nonreturner. He/she is called a precept-breaking upasaka/upasika, a stinking upasaka/upasika, an outcast upasaka/upasika, a defiled upasaka/upasika, and an afflicted upasaka/upasika. This is the First Grave Sin.

2. The Precept of Stealing
Followers of the Buddha! After an upasaka/upasika takes the precepts, even if he/she has to sacrifice his/her life, he/she should not steal, even as little as a penny. If he/she breaks the precept, he/she loses the upasaka/upasika precepts. This person cannot attain even the state of warmth (usmagata), let alone the fruition of a stream-enterer or a nonreturner. He/she is called a precept-breaking upasaka/upasika, a stinking upasaka/upasika, an outcast upasaka/upasika, a defiled upasaka/upasika, and an afflicted upasaka/upasika. This is the Second Grave Sin.

3. The Precept of Lying
Followers of the Buddha! After an upasaka/upasika takes the precepts, even if he/she has to sacrifice his/her life, he/she should not lie that he/she has mastered the contemplation of impurity or attained the fruition of a non-returner. If he/she breaks this precept, he/she loses the upasaka/upasika precepts. This person cannot attain even the state of warmth (usmagata), let alone the fruition of a stream-enterer or a nonreturner. He/she is called a precept-breaking upasaka/upasika, a stinking upasaka/upasika, an outcast upasaka/upasika, a defiled upasaka/upasika, and an afflicted upasaka/upasika. This is the Third Grave Sin.

4. The Precept of Sexual Misconduct
Followers of the Buddha! After an upasaka/upasika takes the precepts, even if he/she has to sacrifice his/her life, he/she should not engage in sexual misconduct. If he/she breaks this precept, he/she loses the upasaka/upasika precepts. This person cannot attain even the state of warmth (usmagata), let alone the fruition of a stream-enterer or a nonreturner. He/she is called a precept-breaking upasaka/upasika, a stinking upasaka/upasika, an outcast upasaka/upasika, a defiled upasaka/upasika, and an afflicted upasaka/upasika. This is the Fourth Grave Sin.

5. The Precept of Talking About the Wrong Deeds of the Four Categories of Buddha's Disciples.
Followers of the Buddha! After an upasaka/upasika takes the precepts, even if he/she has to sacrifice his/her life, he/she should not speak of the faults of the bhikkhus, bhikkhunis, upasakas and upasikas. If he/she breaks this precept, he/she loses the upasaka/upasika precepts. This person cannot attain even the state of warmth (usmagata), let alone the fruition of a stream-enterer or a nonreturner. He/she is called a precept-breaking upasaka/upasika, a stinking upasaka/upasika, an outcast upasaka/upasika, a defiled upasaka/upasika, and an afflicted upasaka/upasika. This is the Fifth Grave Sin.

6. The Precept of Selling Alcohol
Followers of the Buddha! After an upasaka/upasika takes the precepts, even if he/she has to sacrifice his/her life, he/she should not sell intoxicants. If he/she breaks this precept, he/she loses the upasaka/upasika precepts. This person cannot attain even the state of warmth (usmagata), let alone the fruition of a stream-enterer or a nonreturner. He/she is called a precept-breaking upasaka/upasika, a stinking upasaka/upasika, an outcast upasaka/upasika, a defiled upasaka/upasika, and an afflicted upasaka/upasika. This is the Sixth Grave Sin.

[THE TWENTY-EIGHT FAULTS]

1. The Precept of Not Making Offering to One's Parents and Teachers
Followers of the Buddha! As the Buddha has said, if an upasaka/upasika, after taking the precept, does not make offerings to his/her parents, teachers, he/she commits the fault of not being mindful and losing the initial intention in taking the precept. If he/she does not have the mind of repentance, he/she will deteriorate. He/she is impure and will continue to create defiled karma that leads to transmigration in the cycle of life and death.

2. The Precept of Indulging in Intoxicants
If an upasaka/upasika, after taking the precept, indulges in intoxicants, he/she commits the fault of not being mindful and losing the initial intention in taking the precept. If he/she does not have the mind of repentance, he/she will deteriorate. He/she is impure and will continue to create defiled karma that leads to transmigration in the cycle of life and death.

3. The Precept of Not Visiting and Looking after the Sick
If an upasaka/upasika, after taking the precept, does not look after those who are sick, he/she commits the fault of not being mindful and losing the initial intention in taking the precept. If he/she does not have the mind of repentance, he/she will deteriorate. He/she is impure and will continue to create defiled karma that leads to transmigration in time cycle of life and death.

4. The Precept of Ignoring One's Begging
If an upasaka/upasika, after taking the precept, upon seeing supplicants, does not give away whatever he/she can, but rather send them away empty-handed, he/she commits the fault of not being mindful and losing the initial intention in taking the precept. If he/she does not have the mind of repentance, he/she will deteriorate. He/she is impure and will continue to create defiled karma that leads to transmigration in the cycle of life and death.

5. The Precept of Not Paying Respect to the Elderly Among the Four Categories of Buddha's Disciples.
If an upasaka/upasika, after taking the precept, upon seeing bhikkhus, bhikkunis, elder upasakas or elder upasikas, does not get up to greet and bow to them, he/she commits the fault of not being mindful and losing the initial intention in taking the precept. If he/she does not have the mind of repentance, he/she will deteriorate. He/she is impure and will continue to create defiled karma that leads to transmigration in the cycle of life and death.

6. The Precept of Pride When Seeing the Four Categories of Buddha's Disciples Break the Precepts.
If an upasaka/upasika, after taking the precept, arouses this arrogant thought upon seeing bhikkhus, bhikkhunis, upasakas, and upasikas who violate the precept, "I am superior to them, for they are not as good as I", this upasaka/upasika commits the fault of not being mindful, and losing the initial intention in taking the precept. If he/she does not have the mind of repentance, he/she will deteriorate. He/she is impure and will continue to create defiled karma that leads to transmigration in the cycle of life and death.

7. The Precept of Not Fulfilling the Precept of Not Eating After Midday during the Six Days of a Month.
If an upasaka/upasika, after taking the precept, does not keep the eight precepts and makes offerings to the Triple Gem for six days each month, he/she commits the fault of not being mindful and losing the initial intention in taking the precept. If he/she does not have the mind of repentance, he/she will deteriorate. He/she is impure and will continue to create defiled karma that leads to transmigration in the cycle of life and death.

8. The Precept of Not Listening to the Dharma
If an upasaka/upasika, after taking the precept, does not attend the Dharma lectures held within 40 li (about 12 km), he/she commits the fault of not being mindful and losing the initial intention in taking the precept. If he/she does not have the mind of repentance, he/she will deteriorate. He/she is impure and will continue to create defiled karma that leads to transmigration in the cycle of life and death.

9. The Precept of Using the Sangha's Furniture and Utensils
If an upasaka/upasika, after taking the precept, makes use of the Sangha's beds, chairs and utensils, he/she commits the fault of not being mindful and losing the initial intention in taking the precept. If he/she does not have the mind of repentance, he/she will deteriorate. He/she is impure and will continue to create defiled karma that leads to transmigration in the cycle of life and death.

10. The Precept of Drinking the Water that Contains Insects
If an upasaka/upasika, after taking the precept, suspects that there are living organisms in the water and drinks it anyway, he/she commits the fault of not being mindful and losing the initial intention in taking the precept. If he/she does not have the mind of repentance, he/she will deteriorate. He/she is impure and will continue to create defiled karma that leads to transmigration in the cycle of life and death.

11. The Precepts of Walking Alone in Dangerous Places
If an upasaka/upasika, after taking the precept, travels alone in places that are considered dangerous, he/she commits the fault of not being mindful and losing the initial intention in taking the precept. If he/she does not have the mind of repentance, he/she will deteriorate. He/she is impure and will continue to create defiled karma that leads to transmigration in the cycle of life and death.

12. The Precept of Staying Alone in the Bhikkhu's/ Bhikkhuni's Vihara
If an upasaka/upasika, after taking the precept, stays overnight alone in a bhikkhuni's/bhikkhu's vihara, he/she commits the fault of not being mindful and losing the initial intention in taking the precept. If he/she does not have the mind of repentance, he/she will deteriorate. He/she is impure and will continue to create defiled karma that leads to transmigration in the cycle of life and death.

13. The Precept of Fighting for the Sake of Wealth
If an upasaka/upasika, after taking the precept, for the sake of one's own wealth, beats and scolds his/her slaves, servants or other people, he/she commits the fault of not being mindful and losing the initial intention in taking the precept. If he/she does not have the mind of repentance, he/she will deteriorate. He/she is impure and will continue to create defiled karma that leads to transmigration in the cycle of life and death.

14. The Precept of Giving Leftover Food to the Four Categories of Buddha's Disciples
If an upasaka/upasika, after taking the precept, offers leftover food to bhikkhus, bhikkhunis, upasakas, upasikas, he/she commits the fault of not being mindful and losing the initial intention in taking the precept. If he/she does not have the mind of repentance, he/she will deteriorate. He/she is impure and will continue to create defiled karma that leads to transmigration in the cycle of life and death.

15. The Precept of Keeping Cats or Foxes
If an upasaka/upasika, after taking the precept, raises cats or foxes, he/she commits the fault of not being mindful and losing the initial intention in taking the precept. If he/she does not have the mind of repentance, he/she will deteriorate. He/she is impure and will continue to create defiled karma that leads to transmigration in the cycle of life and death.

16. The Precept of Rearing Animals and Not Giving Them Away to Those Who Have Not Taken the Precepts
If an upasaka/upasika, after taking the precept, raises elephants, horses, cows, goats, camels, donkeys, or any other animals, and does not give them to those who have not yet taken the precepts, he/she commits the fault of not being mindful and losing the initial intention in taking the precept. If he/she does not have the mind of repentance, he/she will deteriorate. He/she is impute and will continue to create defiled karma that leads to transmigration in the cycle of life and death.

17. The Precept of Not Keeping the Three Outfits, Bowls and Walking Sticks
If an upasaka/upasika, after taking the precept, does not keep the sanghati, clothes, bowls and walking sticks (the daily necessities of the Sangha), he/she commits the fault of not being mindful and losing the initial intention in taking the precept. If he/she does not have the mind of repentance, he/she will deteriorate. He/she is impure and will continue to create defiled karma that leads to transmigration in the cycle of life and death.

18. The Precept of Not Ensuring that the Irrigation Water of Rice Farms is Insect Free, and to Carry Out Farming on Land
If an upasaka/upasika, after taking the precept, needs to farm for a living, but does not ensure that the irrigation water of his/her rice farm is free from insects, and carries out farming on the land, he/she commits the fault of not being mindful and losing the initial intention in taking the precept. If he/she does not have the mind of repentance, he/she will deteriorate. He/she is impure and will continue to create defiled karma that leads to transmigration in the cycle of life and death.

19. The Precept of Using an Unjust Scale in Business
If an upasaka/upasika, after taking the precept, engages in business for a living, that uses a balance/scale to sell goods, then after having made a deal, he/she should not call off a previous deal for a more profitable one. When buying from others, he/she should advise the seller if he/she is trying to be dishonest in using his/her balance/scale. If an upasaka/upasika does not do so, he/she commits the fault of not being mindful and losing the initial intention in taking the precept. If he/she does not have the mind of repentance, he/she will deteriorate. He/she is impure and will continue to create defiled karma that leads to transmigration in the cycle of life and death.

20. The Precept of Having Sexual Encounters at the Wrong Time and Place
If an upasaka/upasika, after taking the precept, has sexual intercourse in improper places and improper times, he/she commits the fault of not being mindful and losing the initial intention in taking the precept. If he/she does not have the mind of repentance, he/she will deteriorate. He/she is impure and will continue to create defiled karma that leads to transmigration in the cycle of life and death.

21. The Precept of Evading Government Taxes while Doing Business
If an upasaka/upasika, after taking the precept, evades government taxes while doing business or reports dishonestly, he/she commits the fault of not being mindful and losing the initial intention in taking the precept. If he/she does not have the mind of repentance, he/she will deteriorate. He/she is impure and will continue to create defiled karma that leads to transmigration in the cycle of life and death.

22. The Precept of Not Obeying the Country's Law
If an upasaka/upasika, after taking the precept, does not obey the country's law, he/she commits the fault of not being mindful and losing the initial intention in taking the precept. If he/she does not have the mind of repentance, he/she will deteriorate. He/she is impure and will continue to create defiled karma that leads to transmigration in the cycle of life and death.

23. The Precept of Not Making Offerings to the Triple Gem when Obtaining New Food
If an upasaka/upasika, after taking the precept, does not offer the newly harvested grain, fruits, and vegetables first to the Triple Gem, but consumes them first himself/herself, he/she commits the fault of not being mindful and losing the initial intention in taking the precept. If he/she does not have the mind of repentance, he/she will deteriorate. He/she is impure and will continue to create defiled karma that leads to transmigration in the cycle of life and death.

24. The Precept of Giving Dharma Lectures without the Sangha's Permission
If an upasaka/upasika, after taking the precept, gives Dharma talks without the Sangha's permission, he/she commits the fault of not being mindful and losing the initial intention in taking the precept. If he/she does not have the mind of repentance, he/she will deteriorate. He/she is impure and will continue to create defiled karma that leads to transmigration in the cycle of life and death.

25. The Precept of Walking in Front of the Five Categories of Buddha's Disciples
If an upasaka/upasika, after taking the precept, walks in front of a bhikkhu, bhikkhuni, siksamana, sramanena, sramanerika, he/she commits the fault of not being mindful and losing the initial intention in taking the precept. If he/she does not have the mind of repentance, he/she will deteriorate. He/she is impure and will continue to create defiled karma that leads to transmigration in the cycle of life and death.

26. The Precept of Not Distributing the Sanghas Food equally
If an upasaka/upasika, after taking the precept, offers food to monks/nuns, meanwhile offering better food in excessive amount to his/her own master, he/she commits the fault of not being mindful and losing the initial intention in taking the precept. If he/she does not have the mind of repentance, he/she will deteriorate. He/she is impure and will continue to create defiled karma that leads to transmigration in the cycle of life and death.

27. The Precept of Rearing Silk Worms
If an upasaka/upasika, after taking the precept, raises silk worms, he/she commits the fault of not being mindful and losing the initial intention in taking the precept. If he/she does not have the mind of repentance, he/she will deteriorate. He/she is impute and will continue to create defiled karma that leads to transmigration in the cycle of life and death.

28. The Precept of Ignoring the Sick on the Road
If an upasaka/upasika, after taking the precept, comes across a sick person on the road, if this upasaka/upasika does not look after and arrange a place for this sick person, but rather deserts him/her, this upasaka/upasika commits the fault of not being mindful and losing the initial intention in taking the precept. If he/she does not have the mind of repentance, he/she will deteriorate. He/she is impure and will continue to create defiled karma that leads to transmigration in the cycle of life and death.