梵網經懺悔行法
Brahma's Net Sutra Repentance Practice
明 菩薩戒弟子 藕益智旭 述
Ming Dynasty, Bodhisattva Precept Disciple, Ouyi Zhixu, Commentary
經云。若有犯十戒者。應教懺悔。在佛菩薩形像前。日夜六時誦十重四十八輕戒。苦到禮三世千佛。若一七日。二三七日。乃至一年。要見好相。便得滅罪。此金口明訓也。故知法華方等大悲占察等種種行法。雖各有滅罪得戒功能。而於犯十戒者。仍須別依梵網行法。方使標心不泛。所謂如從地倒。還從地起。又此經所明千里無師。像前自受。但云當以七日。佛前懺悔。得見好相。便得戒。若不得好相。應二七三七。乃至一年。要得好相。而不云苦到禮三世千佛。葢大意與瓔珞地持之自誓受戒同耳。故向年已曾述學戒法。今則特為受菩薩戒之後。犯十重者。別明懺儀。俾依三世諸佛出罪。既見好相。則戒體完復。雖於比丘法中。不任僧用。而或為菩薩沙彌。或為菩薩優婆塞。可無慚德。且密默進道。直證無生。亦非分外事矣。其或八戒五戒。及沙彌戒破根本者。依此懺法。見好相已。既得菩薩大戒。亦仍可許進比丘戒。若小乘比丘破根本者。依此懺悔見好相已。密達無生。或仍可附與學之科。縱令障深。未成感應。而永斷相續。懇惻求哀。必能閉惡趣門。植出世種也。略為十意。一嚴道場。二淨三業。三香華供養。四讚禮歸依。五陳罪悔除。六立誓誦戒。七苦到禮佛。八重修願行。九旋遶自歸。十坐念實相。
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.