The One-Mind Precepts of Bodhidharma

 

Jakusho Kwong Roshi

 

 

In the instruction, to receive is to transmit; to transmit is to awaken; and to awaken the Buddha Mind is called true Jukai.  Each precept is a vignette of the one-mind that is always with us.

 

1.     Self-nature is inconceivably wondrous; in the everlasting Dharma, not raising the view of extinction is called Ònot killing.Ó

 

  1. Self-nature is inconceivably wondrous; in the ungraspable Dharma, not arousing the thought of gain is called Ònot stealing.Ó

 

  1. Self-nature is inconceivably wondrous; in the Dharma of nonattachment, not raising the view of attachment is called Ònot being greedy.Ó

 

  1. Self-nature is inconceivably wondrous; in the inexplicable Dharma, not expounding a word is called Ònot lying.

  2. Self-nature is inconceivably wondrous; in the intrinsically pure Dharma, not arousing ignorance is called Ònot being intoxicated.Ó

 

  1. Self-nature is inconceivably wondrous; in the faultless Dharma, not talking about sins and mistakes is called Ònot talking about othersÕ faults and errors.Ó

 

  1. Self-nature is inconceivably wondrous; in the Dharma of equality, not talking about self and others is called Ònot elevating oneself and putting down others.Ó

 

  1. Self-nature is inconceivably wondrous; in the genuine, all pervading Dharma, not clinging to a single thing is called Ònot being stingy.Ó

 

  1. Self-nature is inconceivably wondrous; in the Dharma of no-self, not contriving a reality of self is called Ònot being angry.Ó

 

  1. Self-nature is inconceivably wondrous; in the Dharma of oneness, not raising a distinction between Buddhas and beings is called Ònot slandering the Three Treasures.Ó

 



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