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Admonitions of the Mountains of Quy
Precepts are not merely morality, but the light of wisdom illuminating the state of primordial ignorance. There are five precepts, ten precepts, and fourteen precepts, presented through the form of the precepts (clear outward form) and restraint (protective function), so that the practitioner may understand, accept, and uphold them. The story of Thúy Kiều with the verse, “of trust, only this little remains; if not held firmly, it will be crushed,” reminds us of the precious meaning of the precepts and the act of holding (“to hold”) the precepts as preserving the original beauty of the soul.
The beginner’s mind (bodhicitta, or initial mind) of one who has left home must be nourished by precepts, concentration, and insight. Lacking wisdom and precepts is the cause for monastics to live coarsely, arrogantly, and lose the ability to be a model for future generations. Walking, standing, lying down, and sitting must all be placed in mindfulness, because every breath, every step is a contribution to the sangha and sows faith in those who come after.
Impermanence slays demons—the sickle of impermanence—waits for no one: life cannot be prolonged, time cannot be delayed. If we do not study and practice the Dharma today, when the time of death comes, the mind will be clouded, pulled by the force of karma into birth and death, into samsāra, and regret will be too late. “The Admonitions of Master Quy Sơn” is a bell of awakening: bring the Dharma into your heart, live fully the ideal of compassion, relieve suffering, and continue the path of awakening.