28. The Teaching on Correct Conduct

Overall Teaching

This chapter explains the ten benefits of pure discipline for bodhisattvas, including fulfilling omniscience, training as the Buddha did, maintaining non-regressing vows, and achieving superior samādhi. Pure discipline also enables bodhisattvas to abandon saṃsāra, aspire toward nirvāṇa, and always possess the wealth of faith, leading to wisdom and fearlessness.

Summary

1. The Benefits of Pure Discipline:

   • The Buddha explains the ten benefits of pure discipline for a bodhisattva:

     1. Fulfilling omniscience.

     2. Training as the Buddha did.

     3. Avoiding criticism from the wise.

     4. Maintaining non-regressing vows.

     5. Abiding firmly in superior practice.

     6. Abandoning saṃsāra.

     7. Longing for and delighting in nirvāṇa.

     8. Attaining an unbound mind, free from obstacles.

     9. Achieving superior samādhi.

     10. Never lacking in the wealth of faith.

2. The Buddha's Verses on Pure Discipline

   • Omniscience and Training: Pure discipline leads to fulfilling omniscience and training in the same way as the Buddha.

   • Fearlessness and Non-regression: With pure discipline, one is free from fear, maintains vows without regression, and abides in superior practice.

   • Abandoning Saṃsāra and Seeking Nirvāṇa: Pure discipline enables one to escape birth and death and aspire toward nirvāṇa.

   • Freedom from Obstacles: Discipline removes obstacles, allowing one to attain samādhi quickly and remain free from afflictions.

   • Purity of Wisdom: Practicing pure discipline ensures that one's wisdom remains clear and free from criticism, leading to quick progress in samādhi.

Commentary

Thrangu Rinpoche identifies this chapter with the second perfection (śīla pāramitā), discipline or moral conduct, which includes physical, verbal, and mental conduct. He emphasises that this is essential for spiritual progress. While mental discipline is the most important, physical and verbal discipline support the development of qualities like samādhi. The Buddha identifies ten benefits of fully training in the pāramitā of discipline:

1. Accompanied by Wisdom: Discipline ensures the repeated arising of wakefulness and wisdom.

2. Following the Buddha's Training: By observing discipline, we follow the same path of training as the Buddha.

3. Avoiding Criticism: Wise people, including buddhas and bodhisattvas, do not criticise those with pure discipline.

4. Non-Regressing Vows: Discipline prevents one from straying from vows or pledges and ensures commitment.

5. Perseverance in Dharma: It helps bodhisattvas persevere in Dharma practice.

6. Distance from Saṃsāra: Discipline allows one to remain distant from worldly, samsaric states.

7. Attaining Nirvāṇa: It enables the bodhisattva to progress toward the state of nirvāṇa.

8. Freedom from Disturbing Emotions: A disciplined mind remains free from afflictive emotions.

9. Achieving Superior Samādhi: Discipline leads to a high level of meditative absorption or samādhi.

10. Never Impoverished in Qualities: One who trains in discipline is never poor in the wealth of positive qualities, particularly faith.

In general, Rinpoche notes that there are different levels of discipline, ranging from the full monastic precepts to layperson vows. He encourages people to take as many vows as possible, noting that even a single vow has immense benefits. The act of forming the resolve to refrain from harmful actions brings more merit than merely refraining without the vow, as the vow leaves a lasting imprint that promotes virtuous behaviour.

Discussion

1. How does the practice of pure discipline, as outlined in this chapter, support both personal spiritual development and the ability to help others progress on the path? In what ways do the physical, verbal, and mental aspects of discipline reinforce each other?

2. Thrangu Rinpoche emphasises the importance of taking vows to actively commit to virtuous behaviour. How does the act of making a formal vow differ from simply refraining from negative actions, and what impact does this have on long-term spiritual growth?