佛規十五條 The Fifteen Disciplines
Translated by Derek Lin 1. Revere the Buddhas
The Tao is real, the Truth is real, the Heavenly Decree is real,
therefore the Buddhas are also real. If any of the above is not real,
the rest would also be false.
Since we are cultivating ourselves with serious intent, we cannot be disrespectful to the Buddhas. We revere them as if they are present. If our hearts are in the right place, the Buddhas will always be with us. 2. Respect the seniors and mentor the novices
In Tao cultivation, we all have people who went before us and those who
follow after us. We should defer to the virtues of the senior
cultivators and listen to their teachings. We should also look after
new Tao cultivators, and patiently guide them on the right path.
3. Be restrained, dignified, centered and principled
We should restrain and discipline ourselves, act with proper dignity,
hold to the center, and maintain principles without compromise.
Following rules can make one well-rounded. Observing boundaries can
make one morally upright. If we follow all the rules in the Tao, we can
cultivate without crossing boundaries, and become the honorable person
who can be both well-rounded and morally upright.
5. Accept responsibilities
Since we
are Tao cultivators, we have a heavenly task to be benevolent. We need
to take on this responsibility with sincerity, so that we would not be
remiss in our duties.
6. Emphasize the divine over the mundane
Enlightened people all understand that the greater whole is the most
important, while personal affairs are not as important. That is why we
must emphasize the divine over the mundane. Although we usually spend
more time on mundane matters than divine duties, we need to make sure
that mundane will not interfere with the divine.
7. Be courteous and kind
If we
can be humble and courteous to the older generation, we will receive
the benefit of their teachings. If we can be nurturing and kind to the
younger generation, we will earn their love and respect.
The messages written by the Buddhas are to be valued and cherished.
They must never be discarded. Keep them with care, for they have the
power to protect us against being tested by temptations.
9. Do not obsess over appearances
If we are too attached to appearance, it will tie us down and keep us from being able to transcend beyond. If it is the Truth, we should have faith in it; if it is the Tao, we should advance upon it; if it is the Heavenly Decree, we should revere it. Nothing else matters.
When we work with financial accounts, we must keep everything clear.
When we manage our work, we must keep everything organized.
11. Departing and returning
We
should let the seniors know before going on a journey, and ask for
their words of advice. We should also let them know when we return
safely, so they wouldn't worry about us.
12. Do not disrupt the system
Our Golden Thread system maintains order, so that leaders and followers
never overstep their boundaries. This is a principle that runs through
everything we do.
13. Protect public property
Items meant for public use, such as books to be given away, belong to
everyone. They come from the resources donated by fellow Tao
cultivators. Let us not be stingy when we use them for a good cause. At
the same time, when it is not necessary to use them, we should not
waste anything, not even a needle or a thread.
14. Be lively in handling affairs
Being energetic and upbeat is natural for the positive mind. When we
work on tasks in the Tao, we should value this active, dynamic
approach. When we sense there is something missing or imperfect, we
should have the initiative to take action and find solutions.
15. Be cautious in words and actions
If we remain quiet when we should say something, we may miss the chance
to communicate. If we talk when we should remain quiet, we may
miscommunicate. A man of honor does make such mistakes. He proceeds
cautiously, as if standing by a cliff or over thin ice, because he
understands that loose talk and improper conduct can lead to failure.
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