Brahma's Net Sutra Repentance Practice

Ming Dynasty, Bodhisattva Precept Disciple, Ouyi Zhixu, Commentary

The scriptures state: "If someone violates the ten major precepts, they should be taught to repent. Before the images of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, day and night, six times a day, recite the ten major and forty-eight minor precepts. With utmost sincerity, bow to the thousand Buddhas of the past, present, and future. Whether it takes one week, two or three weeks, or even up to a year, one must see auspicious signs to have the offenses eradicated." This is the clear instruction from the golden mouth of the Buddha. Therefore, although practices such as the Lotus Sutra, the Vaipulya Sutras, the Great Compassion Repentance, and the Divination Sutra each have the function of eradicating offenses and restoring precepts, for those who violate the ten major precepts, it is still necessary to specifically follow the practice methods of the Brahma's Net Sutra. Only then can one focus the mind without distraction. As the saying goes, "Just as one falls from the ground, one rises from the ground."

Moreover, this sutra explains that even if there is no teacher within a thousand miles, one can receive the precepts before an image by oneself. It only says, "One should repent before the Buddha for seven days. If auspicious signs are seen, one attains the precepts. If no auspicious signs are seen, one should continue for two weeks, three weeks, or even up to a year, until auspicious signs appear." It does not mention "with utmost sincerity, bow to the thousand Buddhas of the three periods." This is because the general meaning is similar to the self-pledge method of receiving precepts in the Garland Sutra and the Bodhisattva Ground Sutra. Therefore, in previous years, I have already discussed the methods for learning the precepts. Now, I specifically clarify the repentance ritual for those who, after receiving the Bodhisattva precepts, violate the ten major precepts. This enables them to rely on the Buddhas of the three periods to eradicate offenses. Once auspicious signs are seen, the precept body is fully restored. Although in the monastic rules, they may not be qualified for monastic functions, they can still become Bodhisattva novices or Bodhisattva lay practitioners without shame. Moreover, silently advancing on the path and directly realizing the unborn is not beyond their capacity.

As for those who violate the fundamental precepts of the eight precepts, five precepts, or novice precepts, by following this repentance method and seeing auspicious signs, they not only attain the great Bodhisattva precepts but may also be allowed to advance to the monastic precepts. If a monastic of the Lesser Vehicle violates the fundamental precepts, by repenting according to this method and seeing auspicious signs, they may silently realize the unborn or still be included among the learners. Even if their obstacles are deep and they do not achieve a response, by permanently severing the continuity of offenses and earnestly seeking compassion, they will surely close the door to evil destinies and plant the seed for liberation.

Briefly, the method is divided into ten steps: 1. Prepare the practice site. 2. Purify the three karmas. 3. Offer incense and flowers. 4. Praise, bow, and take refuge. 5. Confess and repent of offenses. 6. Make vows and recite the precepts. 7. Bow to the Buddhas with utmost sincerity. 8. Renew vows and practice. 9. Circumambulate and take refuge. 10. Sit and contemplate true reality.