Quang Trí

Quang Trí, meaning “Clear Mind” is the name I received during my taking of the Three Refuges and Five Precepts ceremony tonight. After years of study and actually practicing for a year, I’m so glad I found a Sangha and a Teacher to “settle down” with and ask for the ceremony.

I accepted and vowed to all five precepts – because you don’t have to take all five. Out of the three of us in the ceremony, I was the only one to vow to abstain from intoxicants! Of course that doesn’t make me better, but because I don’t really drink much or “want” to drink, I feel like it’s “no big deal” to abstain from something I rarely do anyway.

Next Sunday the temple is celebrating Vesak, Prince Siddhartha’s birthday! This will be my first official Buddhist celebration! We’ll be having the traditional ceremonial chanting, followed by a talk by our head monk, and ending with a vegetarian lunch. So it should be real exciting! Though it’s going to be hot outside, but since it’s at 9:30am I’m hoping it won’t be too bad.

 

Smile and be well!

Taking Refuge and Precepts Ceremony

Though I’ve already taken Refuge (on my own), I haven’t officially taken the Five Precepts. When taking Refuge and the Precepts, it’s traditionally done at a temple by the head monk. So that’s what I’m doing this weekend. I’ve waited until I found a Sangha before taking the precepts, because it’s important to find and be apart of a Sangha before asking for such a commitment ceremony.

My temple holds one Precepts ceremony a year, usually on Vesak, or a week before or after Vesak. Since they’re going to be really busy this year for Vesak because we invited the Japanese temple to celebrate with us, I chose this weekend (the week before Vesak) for the ceremony.

I’ve been waiting for this ceremony for a while now and I’m truly excited and happy about it! Some are asking why I waited so long, after have been studying Buddhism for years, to take refuge and the precepts. Or that I should of taken my Bodhisattva vows by now. Maybe I waited long, and maybe I should have taken my Bodhisattva vows by now. But what is taking refuge and the vows? Nothing more than a self-commitment to be a better person, to be compassionate, and to practice loving-kindness – things that I’m already developing and practicing. So I don’t mind waiting long. I don’t mind prolonging “official” ceremonies or commitments. I waited until the time was right, and the time for my precepts is now, and the time for the Bodhisattva vows will come when the Universe sees it fit for me to realize it.

Smile and be well!

The Five Precepts

Taking the Precepts and living by them are mandatory for every Buddhist. However, the precepts aren’t rules in the sense that you’re going to hell if you break them, but more along the lines of suggestions. One must use their own intelligence to apply these rules in the best possible way.

There are five Precepts that are mandatory for every Buddhist, and eight-ten precepts for those in preparation for monastic life or devoted lay people, mostly in the Theravada traditions.

1. To abstain from killing/taking life of sentient begins
2. To abstain from stealing
3. To abstain from sexual misconduct
4. To abstain from lying
5. To abstain from intoxicants
6. To abstain from eating at wrong times
7. To abstain from singing, dancing, playing music, and attending entertainment performances
8. To abstain from wearing perfumes, cosmetics, and garlands
9. To abstain from sitting on high chairs, and sleeping on high, luxurious beds
10. To abstain from accepting money

Sometimes the 7th and 8th precept in combined and the 10th is omitted to just make Eight Precepts. But obviously precepts 6 through 10 are stated for a more monastic life where those rules might be easier to apply.

The precepts are pretty clear and straight-forward. The first precept is to not kill, or allow anyone to kill (both human and non-human; sentient beings). The second is to not steal. The third is to abstain from sexual misconduct. This precept is probably the most confusing for a lot of people and it’s the most I get asked about. To abstain from sexual misconduct is to not cheat on your spouse/partner, or have sexual activity with someone who has a spouse/partner. Basically, if it harms someone, their relationship, or lives, it’s sexual misconduct. The fourth is to not lie, which includes pretending to know something that you don’t. The fifth is to refrain from intoxicants; alcohol and drugs. This precept is sometimes left out and not taken by lay people (when taking the precepts, you can choose to take all or some of the precepts). The Buddha said to abstain from alcohol because it causes “headlessness.” In other words, it causes you to not be mindful.

In Mahayana and in Theravada, an individual taking the precepts is called an Upasaka. This is the term given to followers who are not monks, nuns, or novices in monastic living. Traditionally, precepts are taken in a formal ‘Precepts Ceremony,’ along with the Tripple  Gem (Three Refuges/Taking Refuge). It is commonly conducted on the day of Vesak, the Buddha’s birthday. Which is when mine will be! On May 26! I have taken refuge, but have waited until I found a Sangha, and since I found my home Temple, I’ve decided it’s time. I’m extremely excited and happy. I’m going to fully commit to the precepts, including abstaining from alcohol and going full on vegetarian; except, it’s going to be my version of “Buddhist vegetarianism.”

Smile and be well!