78. Paramita of Discipline I — The Essentials of Discipline

The Beginning

Take refuge and arouse bodhicitta.

The Main Part

So-called discipline is to guard one’s mind by eradicating non-virtues and upholding virtues.

If you have received the Bodhisattva vow as a monastic, you should observe strictly the precepts of pratimoksha you have received—be they the vows of a novice male monastic (samanera), a novice female monastic (sramanerika), a fully ordained male monastic (bhikkhu), a fully ordained female monastic (bhikkhuni), or any other vow of pratimoksha. Be vigilant in confessing downfalls, vowing never to commit negative actions and applying the necessary antidote. On this basis, uphold the mind in the bodhicitta in aspiration and action, and take the Bodhisattva vows again and again.

If you are a layperson who has received the Bodhisattva vow, you should observe at least one lay precept and, on this basis, take the Bodhisattva vows every day.

In summary, whether as monastics or laypeople, practitioners on the Bodhisattva path must guard their mainstreams (the discipline of adopting virtuous deeds), abandon non-virtues (the discipline of avoiding negative actions), and undertake positive and beneficial actions (the discipline of bringing benefit to others).

Again and again, take the Bodhisattva vows with liturgy, in general, for three times during the day and three times at night according to sadhanas. If you are too busy to keep up with the above, you must take the Bodhisattva vows at least once a day. Apply visualization as you recite the liturgy, and repent for past misdeeds as much as possible to make virtues grow unceasingly in the future.

The Ending

Dedicate merit in a state devoid of concept.