Surangama Sutra Exposition
by Living Buddha Lian Sheng, Grandmaster Sheng-Yen Lu
Upali is foremost in observing precepts, from the three thousand rules of dignified conduct to the eighty thousand subtle aspects, including both natural offenses and prohibited offenses. By disciplining the body and then the mind, he attains freedom from obstruction and realizes arhatship.
Upali then rose from his seat, bowed at the Buddha’s feet, and said to the Buddha:
“I personally followed the Buddha when he left the city to become a monk. I personally witnessed the Tathagata’s six years of diligent ascetic practice. I personally saw the Tathagata subdue all demons, overcome the non-Buddhist paths, and become liberated from worldly desire and all outflows.
“I received the Buddha’s teachings on the precepts. Thus, from the three thousand rules of dignified conduct to the eighty thousand subtle aspects, including both natural offenses and prohibited offenses, I purified them all completely. My body and mind became quiescent, and I attained arhatship.
“I am the disciplinarian within the Tathagata’s assembly. The Buddha personally confirmed my realization. In upholding the precepts and cultivating the body, I am regarded by the assembly as foremost.
“The Buddha asks about perfect penetration. I first disciplined the body and attained freedom of the body. I then disciplined the mind step by step and attained complete understanding of the mind. Thereafter, both body and mind became completely unobstructed. I regard this as the supreme means.”
The opening passage contains historical inconsistencies: Upali does not accompany the Buddha when he leaves the palace, witness his six years of ascetic practice, or see him subdue demons. The Buddha initially renounces worldly life alone. The five bhikshus accompany his early ascetic practice; Upali joins the monastic community later.
Natural offenses include killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, and lying, rooted in greed, anger, and delusion. Prohibited offenses concern activities restricted by the precepts, such as drinking, smoking, singing, and dancing. Although their karmic consequences are lighter, they can lead to natural offenses. We must remain mindful.
In the True Buddha School, singing, music, dancing, and jokes are permitted when they bring wholesome joy and relaxation. Dancing with a pure mind is good exercise. Dancing that leads to sexual misconduct or telling lewd jokes crosses the line. Intention and conduct make the difference.
Dignified conduct extends into everyday activities. Walking unsteadily, picking one’s nose, looking around, or yawning during a teaching detracts from dignity. Even subtle gestures, such as habitually touching one’s nose, require mindfulness.
The orderly footsteps of two monks in Japan exemplify dignified conduct, as do soldiers marching upright in unison. Military discipline governs eating, lining up, arranging utensils, and folding bedding. Likewise, practitioners should maintain discipline in ordinary actions.
The discussion of monastic discipline includes the Ten Recitations Vinaya associated with Mahakashyapa and Upali, and Daoxuan’s promotion of the Four-Part Vinaya in Chinese Buddhism. In this tradition, bhikshus observe 250 precepts and bhikshunis observe 348. Lay practitioners and recipients of bodhisattva vows have their own commitments.
Mahakashyapa observes strict discipline and ascetic practices. During the summer retreat, practitioners restrict visitors, remain in their quarters to practice, and go out together when necessary. When he objects to Manjusri receiving visitors, the Buddha reveals Manjusri’s countless emanations. Which Manjusri can he expel? A great bodhisattva’s activity transcends ordinary understanding.
Dharma bodies can guide disciples to observe the precepts. Spiritual communion is also illustrated through Grandmaster’s mutual connection with Thousand-Armed, Thousand-Eyed Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva during the homa.
We must cultivate stability and purity of body, speech, and mind. Refrain from lying, harsh language, profanity, and uncontrolled anger. Remain calm and mindful of both major actions and subtle habits.
Upali first disciplines the body, then gradually disciplines the mind. As both become pure, afflictions and outflows cease, and he enters samadhi. Body and mind become completely unobstructed, the light of his heart-mind shines forth, and he attains arhatship. Observing the precepts thus leads from bodily discipline to purification of the mind and liberation.