The Ten Precepts - explained in Nagarjuna's Great Discourse on the Perfection of Wisdom
These ten precepts, explained in Nagarjuna's Great Discourse on the Perfection of Wisdom (S. Maha Prajna Paramita Sastra, C. Ta-Chih-Tu Lun, J. Dai Chi Do Ron), are further elaborated by Chih-I in the fourth volume of The Great Calm-Observation (C. Mo-Ho Chih-Kuan, J. Maka Shikan).
The lower precepts are likened to the master potter's making of vessels, symbolizing the spiritual vessel that can hold and serve the Dharma.
# |
Description |
Violation |
Level | |
1 |
Not cracked |
Vessel cannot hold the Dharma |
Rules of discipline | |
2 |
Not broken |
Holding the different precepts without forgetting them or lapsing |
Vessel breaks apart into pieces | |
3 |
Not pierced |
Embracing Prayascitta - atonement for sins causing one to fall into purgatory |
Vessel is pierced and leaks | |
4 |
Not adulterated |
Embracing the precept with meditative concentration |
||
5 |
Following the path |
Following and obeying the principle of truth - the first fruit |
Improper views |
|
6 |
See the absolute truth and becoming noble- the three fruits |
Improper intent | ||
7 |
Praising Wisdom |
Praising the Buddha's name and words - Bodhisatta practice |
Limited to Two Vehicles |
|
8 |
Mastering the Buddha's words - Bodhisattva mastery |
Mastery of ways & means | ||
9 |
Surangama Samadhi that includes all Samadhis - neither arising or extinguished |
Bodhisattva limited to ways & means |
||
10 |
Insight into the Middle Way & |
Without total enlightenment |