Hsi Lai Temple Hosts Five Precepts and Bodhisattva Precepts Retreat, Guiding Devotees to Open the Door towards Cultivation

Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple
July 25, 2025

From July 17 to 19, Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple held its "Five Precepts and Bodhisattva Precepts Retreat," welcoming 179 preceptees from 19 Fo Guang Shan temples across North and South America. Ranging in age from 8 to 81, the group included eight youths under 20 and 22 non-Chinese-speaking participants. The solemn ceremony was conducted in both Chinese and English to honor the diverse backgrounds of the participants.

Presiding over the ceremony was Most Venerable Hsin Bau, Head Abbot of Fo Guang Shan, as the Sila Upadhyaya (Precept Master). He was joined by Venerable Huei Kai, Deputy Abbot of Fo Guang Shan, as the Karma Acarya (Procedure Master), and Venerable Hui Dong, Abbot of Hsi Lai Temple, as the Instructing Acarya (Teaching Master), together transmitting the precepts and formally opening the gate to Buddhist practice.

The formal transmission on July 19 was held in the Main Shrine. As the sound of drums and bells echoed through the hall, the three precept masters were respectfully invited to the platform. Following traditional Buddhist etiquette, the preceptees performed prostrations and repentance, reaffirmed their faith, and undertook the Three Proclamations of the Karmavachana. They then received the Five Precepts and the Bodhisattva Precepts, pledging to uphold them with sincere hearts.

As the ceremonial verse "Well indeed is the robe of liberation..." was chanted, preceptees donned the precept robe (man yi) symbolizing their resolve to renounce worldly defilements and embrace the Bodhisattva spirit. Most Venerable Hsin Bau asked solemnly, “Will you uphold these precepts for the rest of your life? Will you practice them as taught?” In unison, the participants answered, “Yes, we will!” signaling their commitment to live ethically and serve others.

On the evening before the formal transmission, Venerable Huei Kai led a repentance session in the Main Shrine, guiding the preceptees in purifying their minds and vowing to eliminate karmic afflictions, planting the seeds of Bodhi in their minds.

Before departing the ceremony, Venerable Hui Dong distributed precept certificates and offered a heartfelt reminder: “Receiving the precepts is not the end, it is the beginning of your spiritual journey.” He encouraged the new preceptees to live by the Bodhisattva spirit, uphold the Three Acts of Goodness, and embody compassion and responsibility in daily life.

The three-day retreat included a variety of teachings and practice sessions designed to ground participants in the meaning and application of the precepts.

Most Venerable Hsin Bau personally taught the Bodhisattva Precepts, emphasizing that the foundation lies in generating a Bodhi mind and walking the path of the Bodhisattva. He expounded on the 6 major and 28 minor precepts and encouraged everyone to root their practice in the Three Acts of Goodness as promoted by Fo Guang Shan Founding Master, Venerable Master Hsing Yun.

Venerable Hui Dong taught the Five Precepts, underscoring that they are the foundation of Buddhist practice and essential for cultivating a moral character. For the English-speaking group, Venerable Chueh Fan guided the preceptees through the significance of each precept.

Venerable Huei Kai shared insights on “Practicing the Bodhisattva Path in Humanistic Buddhism,” drawing from Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s teachings. He emphasized the importance of applying compassion in everyday life and cultivating a mind rooted in altruism.

Venerable Miao You elaborated on the ethical principles of Humanistic Buddhism through the lens of the Five Precepts, while Venerable Miao Zang led the English session. Venerable Chueh Miao offered teachings inspired by Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Dharma words, focusing on the importance of training the mind and developing right view and understanding, while the English session was taught by Venerable Man Kuang.

Venerable Hui Ren, as the Ceremony Master, provided an orientation on the retreat schedule and temple etiquette on the first day. He encouraged participants to use the organized routine and etiquette training to eliminate habitual tendencies and cultivate mindfulness. He also taught the development of Humanistic Buddhism, the mission of Fo Guang Shan, and Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s vision, urging participants to cherish the opportunity and support the propagation of the Dharma.

During the retreat, Venerable Hui Hsuan served as the Discipline Master, ensuring that all participants observed the retreat regulations and maintained harmony. Thirteen venerables from Fo Guang Shan temples across North America volunteered as guiding venerables, offering support not only in ceremonies and teachings but also in daily life.

The smooth execution of the retreat was made possible by the dedication of volunteers, including Fo Guang Young Adults Division (YAD), BLIA subchapter members, and lay volunteers. From administration and logistics to meal service and dishwashing, they provided a supportive environment for participants to focus entirely on their cultivation.