Special Topics
Why Should We Keep Precepts?
Some people get nervous when they hear the word "precepts", thinking either that they will be restricted by them, or that they may not be allowed to do many things and lose the freedom to do whatever they want in their daily life. Therefore, they may decide to only learn the Buddha's teaching, without cultivating an intention to accept the precepts.
Protection for Buddhist Practitioners
In fact, the above is a misunderstanding of the meaning, function, and content of the precepts. The function of Buddhist precepts is not to prohibit us from saying or doing certain things, but, rather, to remind us not to do things that may cause harm, both to ourselves and to others. In other words, the Buddhist precepts function to protect ourselves and others. For instance, four of the Five Precepts--No Killing, No Stealing, No Sexual Misconduct, and No Verbal Misconduct--are fundamental principles guiding people's behavior. As for the Fifth Precept of Abstaining from Alcohol, its function is to protect practitioners from losing control of their mind. Therefore, the Five Precepts and the Bodhisattva Precepts are protective shields that allow one to a) feel peaceful in the practice, b) cultivate an appropriate sense of shame, c) repent frequently, and d) regulate behavior at any given time, in order to continually uplift one's character.
To keep the precepts means that one is willing to accept the Buddha's guidance, to learn from the wisdom of Buddhadharma, to let an illuminated teacher be our guiding light in the practice, and to happily become a true Buddhist
In a refuge-taking ceremony, the participants not only take refuge in the Three Jewels, but usually also receive the Five Precepts, which are the five fundamental principles for Buddhists and the fundamentals of all Buddhist precepts. As we start to learn from the Buddha's deeds of body, speech, and mind, we practice correcting our mistakes and performing good deeds in daily life. Keeping the precepts helps stabilize our personality, words, and actions. It helps uplift our character and bring us strong affability and calmness.
With a Peaceful Mind and Body Come Fewer Vexations
Keeping precepts not only brings us a steady and peaceful life, but it can also transform internal vexations. Vexation usually results from a temporary emotion of greed, anger, obsession, etc. In a state of vexation, the mind becomes like the sun which is covered by clouds. In this situation, precepts can remind us to keep ourselves on the right track, which is analogous to seeing past the clouds so that the sun can lead us in the right direction. For example, people who used to unintentionally say hurtful words would begin to remind themselves of the precept of No Verbal Misconduct and stop hurting others carelessly; in fact, they may even learn to use compassionate and soft words. This precept thus helps them to cultivate wisdom and compassion.
The aim of Buddhist precepts is not only to stop us from doing bad deeds, but also to guide us to do good deeds as much as possible. This in turn serves to purify the body and mind, as well as fulfill the value of the Bodhisattva Path, which emphasizes helping oneself by helping others. Receiving, learning, and keeping precepts not only can motivate us to do good deeds, say good words, and transform misfortune, but can also lead us to Buddhahood.
Resource:
50 Questions about Receiving Buddhist Precepts(受戒50問), Dharma Drum Publishing Corporation