【The Aims of the Bodhisattva Precepts】
The aims of Bodhisattva Precepts are: to guide society in the right direction; to accept all sentient beings with equal compassion; to accomplish Bodhi mind through helping sentient beings; and to encourage sentient beings to aspire to Bodhi mind.
The deterioration of social values is caused by defilement of the mind, and the undue exploitation of the natural environment is due to greed and ignorance. The causes of every type of destruction are skewed thinking and viewpoints. The Bodhisattva Path is a transforming power that enables people to explore and purify their inner self, to carry positive energy to society, and to promote peace and harmony in the world.
Receiving the Bodhisattva Precepts gives us an opportunity to cultivate the supreme Bodhi mind, and this opportunity is a precious gift to ourselves, to others, and to the world.
【The Spirit and Characteristics of the Bodhisattva Precepts】
“Precepts” are not meant to tie us down, but to present a mirror to reflect ourselves and provide a guide for us to follow in our life. Observing precepts puts our mind at ease and allows us to conduct ourselves appropriately.
The nature of the Bodhisattva Precepts is to aspire to the supreme Bodhi Mind. The foundation of Bodhi Mind is the Four Great Vows: to deliver innumerable sentient beings; to cut off endless vexations; to master limitless approaches to Dharma; to attain supreme Buddhahood.
The most distinguishing aspect of the Bodhisattva Precepts is the Three Cumulative Pure Precepts, which contain the essence and spirit of the Mahayana Buddhism. The Three Cumulative Precepts are: to stop all evil, to cultivate all virtue, and to benefit all sentient beings.
The Bodhisattva Precepts are to be upheld by both monastics and lay people. The depth and scope of the Bodhisattva Precepts are inexhaustible and immeasurable, but everyone, regardless of their practice level, can receive and uphold them.
【Date】
7:00 pm on Tuesday, May 24, 2016 - 12:00 noon on Friday, May 27, 2016
【Location】
This retreat will take place in a spectacular new facility on the Vancouver campus of the University of British Columbia (UBC). Each person will have a single room in a nearby residence for accommodation. The beautiful and tranquil location ensures a quiet environment for participants. Space is limited; please treasure this great opportunity.
【What You Will Experience during the Retreat】
During this period, all contact from outside will be restricted (except in emergencies). Participants will apply their practice methods to bring their body and mind in peace and harmony throughout the retreat. To help participants to learn about the meaning and spirit of the Bodhisattva Precepts and to incorporate them in daily life, several talks by Master Sheng Yen on the Bodhisattva Precepts will be given each day. A complete rehearsal is scheduled prior to the actual transmission ceremony, which takes place on the last day.
A full day’s practice will begin at 6 am and end around 9:30 pm. Healthy and nutritious vegetarian meals prepared by UBC’s AMS will be served in the retreat.
The retreat will be conducted in Chinese with simultaneous translation in English.
【Register】
Please request the application forms at the Dharma Drum Vancouver Center (DDVC) reception desk or download following forms:
1. Information Sheet (http://www.ddmba.ca/ddmba/forms/2016/DDVC%20BP%20application%20info_en.pdf)
2. Application Form (http://www.ddmba.ca/ddmba/forms/2016/DDVC%20BP%20Application_en.pdf)
3. Personal Health History Questionnaire (http://www.ddmba.ca/ddmba/forms/2016/DDVC%20BP%20health%20info_en.pdf)
Applicants living in the Lower Mainland of BC should submit the completed application forms and photos in person at the DDVC reception desk. Unfortunately, we do not have the resources to accept applications from Lower Mainland residents through fax, email or phone. However, you are always welcome to contact us if you have any questions.
Applicants living outside the Lower Mainland may first email the application forms to
[email protected], and mail the completed forms and photos to DDVC.
Limited space, please register as soon as possible.
4. Release & Waiver of Liability (http://www.ddmba.ca/ddmba/forms/2016/Release%20%20of%20Liability%20-%20Activities.pdf)
【Introduction of Taking the Bodhisattva Precepts】
Date: Feb. 8, 2016 1:15pm
Location: Dharma Drum Vancouver Centre
Date: Tuesday, May 24, 2016 7:00 pm ~ Friday, May 27, 2016 12:00 pm
Step onto the Bodhisattva Path
Give yourself the most precious gift of your lifetime.
All Buddhists have faith in the Buddha, learn from the Buddha’s teachings, and ultimately aspire to attain Buddhahood. Of course, this is not easy! One way to ensure that we stay on the right path is by receiving the Bodhisattva Precepts. Most precepts only last a lifetime, but according to Buddhist sutras, the Bodhisattva Precepts are unique because they will stay with us lifetime after lifetime, until we reach our ultimate goal of becoming a Buddha. Therefore, receiving the Precepts is the most precious gift that any Buddhist can obtain.
In May 2016, the Bodhisattva Precepts will be transmitted in Canada for the first time. The Abbot President and two Vice Abbots of Dharma Drum Mountain will be the Precepts Masters to transmit the Precepts.