人間淨土; 戒律=Precepts=Vinaya=Sila; 隨犯隨制; 隨方毘尼; 捨小小戒; 菩薩一切成; 五戒; 五大施; 叢林制度; 三業清淨; 身業清淨; 心業清淨; 語業清淨; A Pure Land in the world; `siila(vinaya); establishing precepts according to transgressions; precepts that are established according to; circumstances; to give up "minor" precepts; all-embrasive bodhisattva pratimoksha; the five precepts as five kinds of charity; or giving; Ch'an monastic regulations; the purity of the three actions (of body,; mind, and speech)
The sole purpose of vinaya is to purify the body and mind of individuals as well as society as a whole. The Buddha established vinaya according to wholesome scial customs, morality, and reasonable national laws and regulations in combination with correct Buddhist knowledge and views. Vinaya is flexible and adjustable with simple and comprehensive teachings which can be applied as a guideline in any situation.
Once you grasp the essential function of vinaya and understand the Buddha's intention in establishing it, you will not be disconcerted by any particular triviality you find among the rules. Instead, you can emphasize the purification of body, mind, and speech; you will cultivated purity, diligence, simplicity and frugality, etiquette and proper decorum. You will neither vex nor harma yourself nor trouble others. With a clear and untroubled attitude and personality, you may become an example for others and use the compassion and wisdom of Buddhadharma to purify society and everyone around you.
Even though the Buddha set down many precepts, he was never strict or harsh. The Buddha left room for his disciples to practice by designating a specific precept of "vinaya that accords and adapts to circumstances, " as well as permitting certain occasions to give up "minor precepts." Thus when Buddhism was transmitted to China, "monastic regulations" and "pure Ch'an monastic rules" gradually appeared. Although they were not traditional vinaya, they did not conflict with the spirit of the vinaya set down by the Buddha. Of course, monastic regulations and rules alone cannot take the place of vinaya.
Buddhist vinaya accords with human nature and feelings. It was established with great emphasis on practicality and flexibility. Although there are variety of different Buddhist precepts, they are not applicable to everone. According to the depth of your commitment, you can freely choose the set of vinaya that is approriate for you to follow.
The Buddha and his disciples were very much in the world. When they traveled it was to bring the cool and refreshing dharma into our lives so that all could purify body, speech, and mind. That is the source of our principles and our vision of establishing a Pure Land in contemporary society. We earnestly urge all who read this and hear our words to help accomplish this endeavor, little by little and day after day, until it is actualized.
