The Precept Body Inherently Possesses the Meritorious Function of Preventing Transgressions and Curbing Evils

In the practice of upholding precepts, it is already commendable for a practitioner to refrain from unwholesome actions of body and speech; however, restraining mental karma is difficult. If the mind constantly abides in right mindfulness, then evil thoughts have no chance to arise—this is the essence of upholding precepts. What is right mindfulness? It is mindfulness of the Buddha, mindfulness of the Dharma, mindfulness of the Noble Sangha, mindfulness of the impermanence of all conditioned phenomena, mindfulness of the selflessness of all dharmas, and mindfulness of the tranquility of Nirvana. The more deeply one understands the methods for cultivating the mind, the less mental karma arises; as concentration strengthens, mental karma also diminishes. Understanding the principles of cause and effect heightens the mind's vigilance.

Upholding precepts begins with achieving clear understanding of the principles; it is not about forcibly controlling one's behavior. When the principles are clear, the mental faculty is influenced, and mental karma naturally ceases to manifest. In all practices, understanding the principles is paramount, as right view guides the actions of body, speech, and mind. Secondly, deep concentration can subdue afflictions. Finally, recognizing causes and understanding effects—knowing that the causes of one matter can bring about the results of another, and realizing that all karmic actions of body, speech, and mind are recorded in one's own Tathāgatagarbha at the very moment they are committed, and that the karmic retribution must inevitably manifest—heightens the mind's vigilance. All of this involves a process. After receiving the precepts and obtaining the precept substance, the precept substance itself possesses the meritorious function of preventing wrongdoing and stopping evil. This is especially true for the Bodhisattva precept substance. The Bodhisattva precepts guard the mind; to uphold them perfectly and avoid violations requires cultivation to a certain Bodhisattva stage. Before reaching that stage, violations are inevitable, varying in severity. Receiving the Bodhisattva precepts brings immense benefits: one's own vigilance increases greatly, and with the added protection of Dharma-protecting virtuous deities, progress on the path advances swiftly.