Observing 8 Precepts and Abstinence Dharma Function – Cultivating an Awakened Life

On 6th July, nearly 100 Preceptees came to the temple to experience the pure monastery life for 1 day and 1 night through uphold of the 8 Precepts

Before starting, Prefect Venerable Juehao explained the rules and etiquettes for this 8 Precepts Event. Then 4 Preceptee representatives invited the Precept Master Venerable Abbess Manshin to oversee the transmission of Precepts. After she pronounced the meaning of the Precepts and questioned whether each participant can uphold them, everyone answered with a resolute “Yes I can!”. This was followed repentance.

The ceremony was followed by a formal lunch where the preceptees learnt to concentrate their mind to focus on their meals, bodies and thoughts. This is then followed and reinforced by walking meditation.

In the afternoon, the Abbess expounded the “8 Realisation of a Bodhisattva Sutra” to the prceptees. Through her explanations, everyone understood the way to elevate from conflict and duality to the path of awakening. For modern people, these 8 realistions can help us to subdue desire and alleviate suffering, prevent calamities, realise the impermanence of life and fragility of the world.
She encouraged the preceptees to use wisdom from the sutras to self-reflect and awaken life’s strength, passion, variety and carefreeness, thereby becoming a human Bodhisattva.

The Precepts Dharma Function was completed with a final chanting. Afterwards all the preceptees went home to complete their upholding of the pure precepts until next morning.