Pratimoksha precepts

pratimoksha precepts (Skt. pratimokṣa-saṃvara; T. so thar sdom pa སོ་ཐར་སྡོམ་པ་). The precepts (saṃvara) of either a layman or laywoman, a novice or full monk, or a provisional, novice, or full nun. The ethical self-discipline of keeping these vows purely provides the basis for the individual being keeping them to attain liberation from samsara.

Also known as "pratimoksha restraints," "pratimoksha vows," "vows for individual liberation," etc.

The precepts for layman and laywoman refer to either the five precepts or eight precepts.

Explanation

Geshe Sonam Rinchen states:

There are eight kinds of individual liberation vow (so sor thar pa'i sdom pa rigs brgyad). The individual liberation vow (so thar gyi sdom pa) is so called because observing it enables an individual to attain liberation. It focuses primarily on the maintenance of pure physical and verbal conduct. Different forms of this vow are taken by lay and ordained people. The "vow of one who remains nearer" (bsnyen gnas kyi sdom pa), through which one draws closer to liberation, is taken for only twenty-four hours at a time and is therefore not considered equal to the others as a basis for the Bodhisattva vow. It consists of restraint from (1) killing, (2) stealing, (3) lying and (4) sexual activity. One may not use (5) high or fancy seats, (6) intoxicants, (7) eat after midday, (8) wear garlands, jewelry or perfume, make music, dance or sing. This vow is taken by lay persons.

The second and third kinds of individual liberation vow, which are also taken by lay persons, are the "vow of one close to virtue" (dge bsnyen gyi sdom pa) for men and for women. Virtue here refers to nirvana. Both men and women vow to observe restraint from (1) killing, (2) stealing, (3) lying and (4) sexual misconduct. They also promise to refrain from the use of intoxicants.

The remaining kinds of individual liberation vow are taken by those who leave family life behind (rab to byung ba). They must rely on an abbot, give up the signs of lay life, adopt the signs of ordained life and insure that they do not deviate from these three forms of conduct. The fourth and fifth kinds are "vows of those entering the path to virtue" (dge tshul gyi sdom pa), often referred to as novice monks' and nuns' vows. They involve restraint from (1) killing, (2) stealing, (3) lying and (4) sexual activity, from (5) making music, dancing or singing, (6) wearing garlands, jewelry or perfume, (7) accepting silver or gold with the intention of keeping them, (8) taking food after midday, (9) using ornate seats or (10) high seats.

The sixth is the "vow of a female trainee in virtue" (dge slob ma'i sdom pa). In preparation for becoming a fully ordained nun she must hold the vow of a novice nun and in addition practice restraint from twelve activities for two years. She must not (1) travel unless accompanied by someone who observes a similar code of discipline, (2) swim naked across a big river to reach the other side, (3) touch a man, (4) sit on the same seat as a man, (5) act as a matchmaker, (6) hide the transgressions of a female friend, (7) own gold or other valuables, (8) shave her pubic hair, (9) eat what has not been given to her, (10) eat food she has saved, (11) cut green grass and dispose of bodily excretions indiscriminately, or (12) dig the earth.

The seventh and eighth kinds are the "vows of those who strive for virtue" (dge slung gi sdom pa and dge slung nia'i sdom pa). A fully ordained nun must refrain from three hundred and sixty-four activities; a fully ordained monk from two hundred and fifty-three.

See also

• pratimoksha

Sources

• Geshe Sonam Rinchen (2000), The Bodhisattva Vow, translated by Ruth Sonam, Snow Lion 

External links

• Glossary, s.v. "Pratimoksha vows", StudyBuddhism