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TEACHINGS | EASTERN HORIZON 7
The Importance of
Precepts in our Lives
A Dharma Drum Mountain Article
By Venerable Master Sheng Yen
Observing the precepts serves as the code of conduct for
Buddhists. They allow us to curb our desires as well as
purify the body and mind, thereby allowing us to reduce
afflictions and move closer toward achieving liberation.
The COVID pandemic has been plaguing the world in
recent years. People wore surgical masks, washed their
hands religiously, practiced social distancing, and halted
many unnecessary social events. Many organizations
even canceled major events to prevent cluster infections.
Even though the pandemic has caused us many
inconveniences and limitations in daily life, self-discipline
Venerable Master Sheng Yen (1931-2009), founder of has allowed people to safeguard both themselves and
Dharma Drum Mountain, dedicated decades of his the general public. Through the practices of moderation,
life to spreading the Buddhadharma globally and cultivation in virtuous Dharma, and protecting oneself
guiding Chan practice, sharing Buddhist compassion and others through self-cultivation, Buddhist precepts
and wisdom with people around the world. His idea allow us to achieve liberation and attain Buddhahood.
of Protecting the Spiritual Environment has been
widely valued and recognized internationally. Protection Through Self-Restraint
At first glance, “self-restraint” often gives people a sense
Based on the Master’s infinite compassionate vows, of being constrained or having no freedom. It can even
Dharma Drum Mountain’s branch monasteries foster a mentality of resistance, similar to how precepts
and practice centers worldwide have been may come across as cumbersome, conservative, and
promoting Three-fold Education and Four Kinds outdated—that, is out of touch with human emotions.
of Environmentalism, endeavoring to help purify However, just as traffic lights can be seen either as a
form of constraint or protection, the inability to drive
human minds and society, in hopes of sowing the through without obstruction may seem restrictive.
seeds of world peace through joint efforts to realize However, this rule actually helps to ensure smooth
the goal of “building a pure land on earth.” traffic flow and prevent accidents, thereby serving as a
form of protection.
Observing the Precepts Allows One to Feel at Ease
The scientific study of habits has recently become “People are usually rather ambivalent. Although they
a prominent study area, as good habits can make a desire freedom, they would rather have less trouble
significant difference in one’s life. The Buddha had than more freedom.” Venerable Master Chang Kuan, the
already established the precepts, which serve as Vice Dean of the Dharma Drum Sangha University, found
beneficial habits to help people in their self-cultivation. that people have an excessive imagination regarding
