Winter Eight Precepts Retreat for the New Zealand Devotees – Purification of Body and Mind

The 2016 Eight Precepts Retreat was held at the temple on 26th June. The official ceremony was presided by Venerable Abbess Manshin where 120 Preceptees received the Eight Precepts. During the ceremony the Abbess explained the meaning and procedures of cultivating the Eight Precepts. This was followed by a Dharma Function where the congregation chanted “Exhortation to Develop the Bodhi Mind”, paid homage to Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, and made vows to obtain purity through giving rise to the Bodhi Mind.

After a lunch according to formal Buddhist etiquette, the Preceptees were led to practice walking meditation around the courtyard. Then they were separated into groups to clean up fallen leaves around the temple. After a short 15 minutes of diligent efforts, the temple look renewed.

In the afternoon the Abbess gave everyone a seminar titled “Deducing wisdom for daily life from the Platform Sutra”. She discussed all 10 chapters of the sutra, explaining that “the main thought from the Platform Sutra is founded upon ‘Intrinsic Nature’” Then “Formless Cultivation” can be developed from this basis. She further explained that the Platform Sutra is Ch’an School’s first recorded literature, where it has transcended and revolutionised traditional Ch’an practice methods. The Platform Sutra’s historical value is exemplified by its Dharma Method’s ability to settle people’s mind and stabilise society. It was indeed a shining moment during the history of Ch’an School in China. Different editions of the “Platform Sutra” included Dunhuang edition, Huixin edition, Qisong edition, Deyi edition and Zongbao edition. The platform sutra emphasises cultivation through non-abiding, non-thought and non-form in order to realise the mind and seeing intrinsic nature. The main chapter of the sutra is of a lecture given by the Sixth Patriarch in Dafang Temple regarding Mahaprajnaparamita. This is in order to show all people already possess the wisdom of Bodhiprajna and the Triple Gem within their intrinsic nature. This is establishing that “Mind is the Buddha” as the foundation, therefore showing the unique sudden teaching of “Platform Sutra’s emphasis of obtaining Buddhahood through seeing intrinsic nature”.

“It is hard to describe all the trials and tribulations the Sixth Patriarch have experienced throughout his life” The Abbess described some details of the Dharma calamities Venerable Master Huieng had to experience during his path of cultivation. She also described how Six Patriarch’s disciple Venerable Master Shenhui saved the Southern teachings from extinction, instead Caoxi Ch’an School already flourished and Venerable Master Huieng‘s status of being Southern teaching’s Patriarch was secured. The Sixth Patriarch’s life exemplified the “Special Ch’an qualities” of an accomplished Venerable Master of a generation. He can be considered a revolutionary of Chinese Ch’an School, where he brought the deep profound and wondrous qualities of the Dharma and Ch’an teachings back into our mundane daily lives. Lastly the Abbess wrapped up by talking about how Venerable Huieng discontinued the tradition of “passing down the bowl and the robe” and “establishment of Five Divisions and Seven Schools” This lecture allowed the Preceptees to develop better understanding toward the Ch’an School and general structure and ideals presented by the “Platform Sutra”.

For many participants this was the first time they’ve attended the Eight Precepts Retreat and hearing about the “Platform Sutra”. Through the Abbess simply explanation, many Preceptees developed interest and curiosity toward this sutra. Many praised the scripture and expressed they will investigate the wisdom from this tome for themselves.