On May 5th, 2024, the Five Precepts Transmission Ceremony was successfully completed at Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou. This ceremony lasted for 5 days, with over 130 lay Buddhists participating in the transmission of the Five Precepts, making vows to uphold these exceptional precepts, gaining wisdom in their Buddhist practice, and aspiring to the achievement of Buddhahood as early as possible.
▲ Lay Buddhists receiving precepts participate in evening repentance and prostration.
▲ Master Changfa instructs on the rituals and rules
▲ Master Yaoyu expounds on the Five Precepts.
Lay Buddhists receiving precepts chant the Sutra on the Five Precepts
Every day at 5:oo am during the event, all of the lay Buddhists, dressed neatly in a Buddhist robe, gathered in the hall for the morning chanting session. With the sound of Buddhist chants and the repetition of Buddha's name, everyone started a new day refreshed and revitalized.
After the evening meal, Lingyin Temple arranged for all lay Buddhists to participate in the practice of repentance, through which they are guided to sincerely repent past wrongdoings, pray for the blessings of the Triple Gem, purify their body and mind, eliminate negative karma, and cultivate positive connections.
For those who have taken refuge in the Triple Gem, the practice of upholding the Five Precepts marks the beginning of their journey. Upholding the Five Precepts brings great merit, as stated in the Sutra on the Five Precepts: "If a good man upholds them without transgression, by virtue of this cause and condition, he will accomplish the path to Buddhahood."
On the afternoon of May 4th, Master Zhiguang, Master Jiefa, and Master Huichuan were invited to transmit the Five Precepts to disciples of the Triple Gem. The atmosphere at the ceremony was solemn and auspicious, with the preceptees standing face to face, making solemn and powerful vows in front of the Triple Gem to abstain from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, false speech, and intoxication.
For millennia, the Vinaya (monastic rules) has played a crucial role in upholding the historical mission of preserving the Buddhist tradition. Among the precepts established by the Buddha, the Five Precepts form the foundation of all moral codes. Those who observe the Five Precepts refrain from harming or disturbing any sentient beings, maintain purity and righteousness, uphold chastity, speak truthfully without deceit, and avoid confusion and loss due to delusion. Therefore, they abide in peace and righteousness, finding auspiciousness without suffering.
