English 8 Precepts and Abstinence Retreat – Raising One’s Body and Mind

The “English 8 Precepts and Abstinence Retreat” was held at the monastery on 24th September. This was held in order to give locals and those of English speaking background to experience the purifying effects of the one day and one night 8 Precepts Retreat. On the day 50 Preceptees gathered to receive the Precepts from the Witnessing Master Venerable Abbess Manshin, where explained the meaning behind the Precepts as well as how to observe them.

During the Precept Receiving Ceremony the Abbess led everyone to recite the “Great 88 Buddhas Repentance Text”. It was then followed by ceremonies according to Buddhist etiquettes, walking meditation, sitting meditation, sutra transcription and listening to the Abbess giving a lecture on “8 Realisations of a Bodhisattva Sutra” It is hoped that through these exercises the Preceptees can learn raise their body and mind to uphold right thoughts and make great vows of aspiration.

During the lecture about “8 Realisations of a Bodhisattva Sutra” the Abbess explained the profound meanings behind all 8 realisations within the scripture, as well as linking them with practical daily life examples. The realisations were summarised as such:
1. (World View) Material world = Nations are dangerous and fragile; the world of sentience = The world is impermanent; the world of the 5 Aggregates = The Four Great Elements lead to suffering and are empty and the 5 Aggregates are without a self.
2. (Life’s View) more desires are the root of the Cycle of Birth and Death; Being content and satisfied with what one has is the root of maintaining the Way; Diligence is the root of subduing demons; wisdom is the root of removing ignorance; giving is the root of liberating others; observing precepts is the root of reducing desires.
3. (Conclusion) Mahayana Mind is the root of universally liberating sentient beings.
Through these explanations the Abbess encouraged everyone to keep sincere hearts, remove deceptions and distractions, so one is able to remind themselves according to these 8 Realisations of a Bodhisattva day and night. When one is able to deal with issues according to these realisations, to recite them aloud of recite silently in one’s heart, then it is the best form of cultivation.