第八說戒相
Precepts Overview
善男子等。我已為汝授五戒法竟。今更為汝示五戒相。令汝識相護持。防非止惡。始從不殺生。至不飲酒。此之五戒為諸戒根本。入道階梯。在儒為五常。在天為五星。在地為五行。在山為五嶽。在人為五臟。在國為五刑。乃名別體同。故仁者不殺。義者不盜。禮者不婬。信者不妄語。智者不飲酒。行此五者。不求仁而仁著。不欣義而義敷。不行禮而禮立。不慕信而信揚。不行智而智明。可謂振綱提綱。復何功加之有也。聞說其相。當謹護持。慎莫毀犯。我今示汝五戒之相。令汝識相護持。發三種心。誓斷一切惡。誓修一切善。誓度一切眾生。發上品心。求上品戒(問)。
Good people, I have now conferred upon you the Five Precepts. Let me further explain their characteristics so that you may recognize and uphold them, guarding against wrongdoings and stopping evil at its source.
Beginning with refraining from taking life and ending with refraining from intoxicants, these Five Precepts are the foundation of all precepts and the staircase to the Path. In Confucianism, they correspond to the Five Constant Virtues. In heaven, they mirror the Five Stars. On earth, they align with the Five Elements. Among mountains, they match the Five Sacred Peaks. In the human body, they relate to the Five Organs. In governance, they reflect the Five Punishments—different names, yet the same essence.
Thus, the benevolent do not kill. The righteous do not steal. The courteous do not commit sexual misconduct. The faithful do not lie. The wise do not consume intoxicants.
Those who practice these five find that without seeking benevolence, it naturally shines. Without pursuing righteousness, it flourishes. Without enforcing propriety, it stands firm. Without craving trustworthiness, it spreads widely. Without forcing wisdom, it becomes clear. This is like grasping the main thread of a net—what further merit could be added?
Having heard this teaching, you should carefully uphold it. Be cautious not to break these vows. I now reveal to you the characteristics of the Five Precepts so that you may recognize and protect them.
Cultivate three kinds of resolve: - Vow to eliminate all evil - Vow to cultivate all good - Vow to liberate all beings
Develop the supreme mind to receive the supreme precepts.
(Question)
善男子等。盡形壽不殺生。是優婆(塞夷)戒。汝能持否。(答云)能持。(問)善男子等。盡形壽不偷盜。是優婆(塞夷)戒。汝能持否。(答云)能持。(問)善男子等。盡形壽不邪婬。是優婆(塞夷)戒。汝能持否。(答云)能持。(問)善男子等。盡形壽不妄語。是優婆(塞夷)戒。汝能持否。(答云)能持。(問)盡形壽不飲酒。是優婆(塞夷)戒能持否。(答云)能持。(三遍)善男子。此之五戒。眾戒之本。諸善之基。登解脫門。證菩提果。汝等從不殺生。至不飲酒。能具足受持否。(答云)能持。
Good men and the rest, for as long as you live, do not take life. This is the precept for lay devotees. Can you uphold it? [Answer]: I can uphold it. [Question]: Good men and the rest, for as long as you live, do not steal. This is the precept for lay devotees. Can you uphold it? [Answer]: I can uphold it. [Question]: Good men and the rest, for as long as you live, do not commit sexual misconduct. This is the precept for lay devotees. Can you uphold it? [Answer]: I can uphold it. [Question]: Good men and the rest, for as long as you live, do not speak falsely. This is the precept for lay devotees. Can you uphold it? [Answer]: I can uphold it. [Question]: For as long as you live, do not drink alcohol. This is the precept for lay devotees. Can you uphold it? [Answer]: I can uphold it. [Repeated three times] Good men, these five precepts are the foundation of all precepts and the root of all virtues. They open the door to Liberation and lead to the fruit of Enlightenment. From not taking life to not drinking alcohol, can you fully accept and uphold them all? [Answer]: I can uphold them.