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Dharma Talk – Prajñā, The Fourfold Sangha (6)
Mindfulness of the precepts is to uphold the precepts and the codes of conduct in order to protect all that is wholesome and to be of service to all living beings. The precepts are practiced in three main areas, called the three bouquets of flowers:
- The first bouquet – the precepts of restraint: protecting the precepts and the codes of conduct, keeping the body of precepts intact;
- The second bouquet – the precepts of cultivating wholesome actions: protecting all that is beautiful and good, giving rise to the aspiration to do good;
- The third bouquet – the precepts of benefiting all beings: serving, alleviating suffering, and bringing joy to all species.
The codes of conduct are the detailed, formal aspects of the precepts, having the function of prevention and beautification. The four bodily postures should be imbued with mindfulness and dignity:
- walking with mindfulness and dignity
- standing with mindfulness and dignity
- sitting with mindfulness and dignity
- lying down with mindfulness and dignity
Reciting the precepts and practicing repentance regularly (every 15 days or twice a month) helps keep the precepts unbroken, renewing them through voluntary aspiration, without control or punishment. Applying mindfulness of the precepts to social life (for example, organizing precepts for drivers, or the European Buddhist Youth practicing the Five Mindfulness Trainings) helps to limit social ills, build a healthy community, and nurture love.
