Blog » Sweet Dews Of Dharma Talks » 2013 » With the banner of precepts rising up high, the proper Dharma dwells forever
With the banner of precepts rising up high, the proper Dharma dwells forever2013-10-24
Talk given by Dharma Master Heng Yun at the CTTB on August 12, 2013,
English Transtlation by Huali Yuan
Today, seeing twelve Bhikkhus and sixteen Bhikkhunis took the complete precepts, I was touched, not only because I saw so many new preceptees, especially the twelve new Bhikkhus, which is the most number even since I left the home-life. Then why was I touched? Because the transmission of precepts was in accordance with Dharma. In addition, I saw many Bhikkhus whose name start with Jin participated in or assisted in transmitting the precepts, and I felt that the Buddha-Dharma was being handed down over, and I was touched. I believe if the Venerable Master was in the world, he would be very happy to see this.
The Venerable Master once said, “I came to build foundation for western Buddhism.” We also saw how the Venerable Master worked hard for the foundation work. In the earlier time of 80s, not long after the CTTB was established, the Venerable Master built the precepts platform. In our daily life, we were exhorted and reminded to pay attention to precepts whenever we are in walking, standing, sitting and reclining. Because, only after the precepts take root, can the proper Dharma dwell in the world. Therefore the Venerable Master always stressed this point.
What kind of era we are in? When the Buddhadharma was firstly brought to China, the precepts has not been completely brought over. Therefore, many greatly virtuous monks went through hardships to translate the precepts, erecting the banner of precepts and building the foundation for 2000 yrs of Buddhism in China. We are now in the beginning of bringing Buddha-dharma to the west, which is very similar with the situation back then. The Venerable master already plowed the soil and opened a road for us, so how we are going to walk on this road and follow the Venerable Mater's instructions become extremely important.
Actually it is very difficult for the precepts to take roots. Being able to learn and receive the precepts are both not very easy. In China, there was a Dharma Master Fa Xian, after he took the complete precepts, he was concerned that the translation of precepts was not perfect, therefore he made a resolve to go to the west, India, to look for books of precepts. After many life-threatening situations, he arrived in India, then he travelled to over twenty countries where he mastered the Sanskrit and hand copied the precepts books. Then he brought them back to China.
After 15 years, he was able to bring so many precept books to China, however what happened to him in the sea? Where did the hurricane blow away Dharma Master Fa Xian and the precept books? To the western sea shore of American and Mexico. Therefore, in the Water and Mirror Reflecting Heaven, the Venerable Master mentioned that some places in Mexico was very similar to China, it was likely that the Dharma Master Fa Xian was brought to there, therefore, those places kept some flavor of China. Later on, Dharma Master Fa Xian went through a lot of difficulties to return back China and translated the precept books.
In addition, the Monk Jian Zhen made the resolve to bring the precepts to Japan, after failure for 5 times, he succeeded in taking the precepts to Japan. Many similar examples about how these virtuous monks built up the foundation of precepts bit by bit, therefore we should be very grateful to them. From this we know that, it is very rare and inconceivable that we are able to learn the precepts, take the precepts, and even read the precepts. I hope every one well cherish this.
As a person from Asia, I received the nourishment of Dharma in America, and I really hope Buddhism can take deep roots in America. During this precepts period, I saw many preceptees made determination to learn the precepts, or translate the precepts, and I am very delighted. I believe as long as we keep the spirit of learning and holding precepts, Buddhism will be able to take roots. I hope every one inherit the past and usher in the future, continuing working hard. May the Banner of precepts of American Buddhism rise up high, and the proper Dharma dwell forever!
