Spirit

But when we think of precepts like the Ten Prohibitory Precepts, we feel if we fail to observe those ten precepts, even one of the ten, we will not be a good Buddhist - as if the purpose of taking vow or taking precepts is just to observe those things literally. That is maybe the usual way of understanding precepts. But the true purpose of precepts is not just to observe precepts so that we can attain enlightenment. Why we observe precepts or why we take vow is to actualize Buddha's spirit.               --------------------------- Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki  lecture - 69-04-29 - as found on shunryusuzuki.com. Edited by DC  - Going through Suzuki lectures and posting anything that can stand on its own. Not looking for zingers or "the best of." I find that following these excerpts daily provides another way to experience Suzuki's teaching. Got to https://www.instagram.com/cuke_archives/ for more daily Shunryu Suzuki lecture excerpts - with a photo.