As a practicing Buddhist, it is not easy to apply the Five Precepts in our daily lives; how much more to take its formal vow!
Upon learning from the Dharma Masters that taking the Lay Bodhisattva Precepts is a great opportunity to amend past mistakes, I was convinced. On their part, they assured me of their support, to encourage me and sustain my vow. So, off to Chung Tai we went to take it.
During the ceremony, as a profound symbol of our vows, three cone-shaped incenses were burnt on our upper forearm; it symbolizes how the body was the censer, and the Precepts, the fragrant offering of incense.
In preparation, we were immersed in real-life examples of the practice of Lay Bodhisattva Precepts; we experienced the monastic life, practiced compassion and tolerance, discarded all our possessions and released all our attachments. The discipline included a certain way of thinking and acting. Having nothing, I realized that I only have myself to offer Buddha.
The mere thought of being burnt scared me, but I found strength in knowing that I was making a supreme offering of myself. Surprisingly, there was no pain and I was overflowing with joy and became teary-eyed.
Coming home, I was a changed person. I knew the challenges that await me outside the monastery wall, but compassion and tolerance are the keys. Becoming vegetarian while other members of the household were not, also posed a test of will power and perseverance. Thus, I cook my own food or run to Ocean Sky.
That was a year ago, and now I am in a happier state than ever before, knowing that my vows kept me from harming other sentient beings. Taking the Lay Bodhisattva Precepts entails great responsibilities, but I intend to uphold them forever. Receiving it was a privilege; I knew in my mind that I was making the ultimate offering to the Buddha and to all sentient beings.