弘明集 13.5

13.5

The Three Refuges mean: taking refuge in the Buddha, taking refuge in the scriptures of the twelve divisions, and taking refuge in the bhikṣu saṃgha; in the Buddhas of the past, present, and future, of the three times and ten directions; in the scriptural teachings of the three times and ten directions; and in the saṃgha of the three times and ten directions. Whenever one bows in worship and repents, one should with the utmost sincerity take refuge, and with compassionate thoughts toward all sentient beings, vow that all may attain deliverance. In the language of foreign lands, this is called namo; in Chinese, it means 'to take refuge.' 'Buddha' in the Chinese language means 'the Awakened One'; 'Saṃgha' in the Chinese language means 'the Assembly.' As for the five precepts: First, not to kill, nor to instruct others to kill, which must be steadfastly upheld for the duration of one's life. Second, not to steal, nor to instruct others to steal, which must be steadfastly upheld for the duration of one's life. Third, not to commit sexual misconduct, nor to instruct others to commit sexual misconduct, which must be steadfastly upheld for the duration of one's life. Fourth, not to deceive, nor to instruct others to deceive, which must be steadfastly upheld for the duration of one's life. Fifth, not to drink alcohol, nor to give alcohol as a charitable gift, which must be steadfastly upheld for the duration of one's life. If alcohol is used as medicine, one must weigh its gravity and strictly avoid becoming drunk. Drunkenness entails thirty-six faults, of which the scriptural teachings give grave warning. By not killing, one attains long life; by not stealing, one is always at peace; by not committing sexual misconduct, one is pure; by not deceiving, one is constantly respected and trusted by people; by not becoming drunk, the spiritual faculty remains clear and well-ordered. Having practiced the five precepts, one then cultivates the three annual fast periods and the six monthly fast days. The three annual fast periods are: from the first day to the fifteenth day of the first month; from the first day to the fifteenth day of the fifth month; and from the first day to the fifteenth day of the ninth month. The six monthly fast days are: the eighth, fourteenth, fifteenth, twenty-third, twenty-ninth, and thirtieth days of the month. On all fast days, fish and meat must not be consumed; one eats before noon, and once noon has passed, one must not taste any sweet, aromatic, or delicious food. One must cleanse the mind and contemplate the Dao, taking refuge in the Three Venerated Ones, repenting of past transgressions, reproaching oneself, and practicing the four immeasurables. One must stay away from bedchambers, not cling to the six desires, and must not whip, beat, revile, ride oxen or horses, or carry weapons. Women must additionally discard decorations of fragrant flowers, cosmetics, and powder, rectifying their minds and correct intentions, striving to remain gentle and compliant. Fasting is done generally for the deceased ancestors, currently living friends, and relatives, as well as for all sentient beings; through this utmost sincerity, each should arouse their minds. Once the mind is stirred to action, one will ultimately be freed from sinful suffering. Therefore, loyal and filial persons must strive to apply themselves with diligence; it is truly because the efficacy of rescuing others does not rest merely with oneself. On fast days, one should only focus on contemplating the profound vision and chanting the words of the Dharma. If one is unable to practice emptiness, one should practice the six recollections. The six recollections are: recollection of the Buddha, recollection of the scriptures, recollection of the saṃgha, recollection of giving, recollection of the precepts, and recollection of the heavens. What is meant by recollection of the heavens? The ten good deeds and the four immeasurables correspond to the heavenly practices. Furthermore, one must make every effort within one's ability to relieve and rescue sentient beings.