IV. The Function of the Precept Body in the Five Precepts

Taking the Three Refuges is not equivalent to receiving the Five Precepts. Receiving the precepts confers a precept body, whereas taking refuge alone does not grant the precept body of the Five Precepts. The precept body serves to prevent violations and is guarded by protective deities. It safeguards against wrongdoing, mitigates or prevents the karmic retribution of evil deeds, and accelerates spiritual progress. If one violates the precepts immediately after receiving them, it indicates that the precept body was not attained. The failure to obtain the precept body arises from one’s unrepented sinful karma, which creates obstacles during the precept reception. In such cases, it is necessary to repent anew, purify oneself, and receive the precepts again until the precept body is attained.

If the precept master who confers the precepts has violated the precepts and lost the precept body, one will likewise fail to obtain the precept body when receiving precepts from them. Therefore, to ensure certainty, it is advisable to receive the precepts multiple times. If the precept master possesses good cultivation and virtuous conduct, and is supported by the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Dharma-protecting deities, the empowerment during the precept reception will be potent, the spiritual response profound, and the transformative effect after receiving the precepts will be significant, leading to swift advancement in spiritual cultivation.