Do not debase the triple treasures. I thought
this is very funny precept for Buddhist to set up. It looks like Buddhist protecting themselves by
setting up this precept. And this one is supposed to be the most fatal, important
precept. If you break it [laugh] you will be expelled. I thought this is
rather, you know, unfair to set up this kind of precept. “Don't kill” is good,
“don't be angry is very good” [laughter], but don't be blasphemous with triple
treasures is very selfish precept. Moreover, if you commit this precept, you know, you are supposed to go down to
the bottom of the hell [laughter]. This is very funny. This is
our system [laughter]. Very good system to me but not to you
[laughter]. But those who commit the last precept
is supposed to be very intelligent.
That is why we put very strict and heavy duty to them. The system of hell is
not punishment, you know, it is training [Laughter]. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 67-06-12 as found on shunryusuzuki.com. Edited by DC - Many Shunryu Suzuki lecture excerpts on cuke.com - from there links to much more. Going slowly through Suzuki transcripts featuring whatever is next that seems okay, not just the super cool ones,
