The Precept Body Inherently Possesses the Meritorious Function of Preventing Transgressions and Curbing Evils

In upholding precepts, it is already commendable for practitioners to refrain from transgressions through body and speech; guarding against mental karma is considerably more challenging. If the mind consistently abides in right mindfulness, then unwholesome thoughts find no opportunity to arise—this constitutes upholding the precepts. What is right mindfulness? It is mindfulness of the Buddha, mindfulness of the Dharma, mindfulness of the Noble Sangha; mindfulness of the impermanence of all conditioned phenomena, the selflessness of all dharmas, and the peace of Nirvana. The more profound and extensive one's understanding of mind-cultivation methods, the more mental karma diminishes; as concentration deepens, mental karma likewise decreases. Comprehending the principles of cause and effect heightens vigilance within the mind.

Upholding precepts begins foremost with achieving clear understanding of the principles; it is not about forcibly controlling one's behavior. When the principles are clear, the mental faculty (manas) is influenced, and mental karma naturally ceases to manifest. Among all practices, understanding the principles is paramount, as right view guides the actions of body, speech, and mind. Secondly, profound concentration can suppress afflictions. Finally, understanding causes and realizing effects—knowing that the causes of this matter can bring about the results of that matter—and recognizing that one's own Tathagatagarbha records every single action of body, speech, and mind at the very moment it occurs, and that the karmic retribution must inevitably come to fruition, naturally heightens the vigilance of the mind. This entire process unfolds progressively. After receiving the precepts and attaining the precept substance (戒体), this precept substance inherently possesses the meritorious function of preventing wrongdoing and stopping evil. This is especially true for the Bodhisattva precept substance. The Bodhisattva precepts guard the mind. To uphold them perfectly and avoid transgressions entirely requires attainment of a certain Bodhisattva stage (果位). Prior to this, transgressions, varying in severity, are almost inevitable. Receiving the Bodhisattva precepts brings immense benefits: one's own vigilance increases greatly, and with the added protection of Dharma-protecting virtuous deities, progress on the path advances swiftly.