I thought “more precepts less freedom”!
Sometimes I wore a robe in the morning recitation.
Finally, I received the five precepts. I was glad to receive the Precepts Certificate (戒牒 )from DM Heng-Sure.
Bhikshuni Heng-Chan was one of the fa-shrs in the ceremony.
The volunteer helped to set up the ceremony hall.
Wearing the sash means a new life is starting.
Celebrate the important moment with my friends. (JZ & Tai-Lian)
Taking The Three Refuges and The Five Precepts (受三皈五戒)
I decided to take the three refuges and the five precepts on the celebration of Ullambana ( 盂蘭盆法會)。A person is becoming a Buddhist after taking refuge in the Three Jewels. One can take the Buddha as one′s spiritual teacher and the ultimate place of refuge, taking the Dharma as the teachings that provide the methods to end suffering, and take the Sangha as the ordained monastic community that embodies the practice.
It was a formal ceremony. I had already taken refuge a long time ago, but not seriously at that time. I even forgot my Dharma name. Anyway, I am quite serious this time.
The host of this ceremony was DM Heng-Sure, and he can speak both English and Chinese.
I took the five precepts at the same time. I have considered doing it for a long time. The five precepts are: No killing, No stealing, No sexual misconduct, No lying, and No intoxicants. The problem is “no intoxicants”. Maybe since my father liked to drink some alcohol, I also have had this hobby since I was a child. However, we are not “alcoholic”, it is just a kind of family tradition, especially when me and my poet friends get together, we often drink some wine.
After taking the five precepts, one of my friends pushed me to wear the sash. It is worn outside the black robe. It was quite difficult to wear the sash (to fold it as well), therefore my friends taught me patiently, but I always forget how to do it. Finally, I am familiar with it right now.
I can imagine when I announce that I quit drinking alcohol, my relatives and friends will say: Are you insane?
Now, since I have already taken the 5 precepts, I have to say good-bye to alcohol. Being a cultivator, I think I can uphold this precept.
*If you will know more about the three refuges and the five precepts, you can read «Why Should We Receive and Uphold the Five Precepts » 、 «Welcome to the Monastery» .
