Mushin Abby Terris, Guiding Teacher
This month begins our preparations for the October precept ceremony. Some of you will be ”taking” the precepts. Some will be ”receiving” the precepts. Do we take them or do we receive them? Though these two words share a similar meaning, they each have a different touch, have a different spirit.
There’s an assertiveness energy about taking, perhaps even a “me and mine” boldness that may express a sense of carelessness or entitlement, suggesting that the taker is quite separate from that which is taken. That way of phrasing puts the emphasis on the self, on the me. Whereas when we receive, we acknowledge our innate relationship with the source of whatever is coming our way. Openness, perhaps even humility, comes along with receiving. When you receive, you’re in a more receptive, modest posture. Something of value is bestowed upon you. And you are mindful and aware. Curious, appreciative.
This is more the spirit in which the precepts are celebrated. They are offered to us by our teacher and the long lineage of awakened ones who are handing down to us the way to live with compassion and wisdom, to live as a child of the Buddha. We receive the Precepts as keys to liberation from suffering, and they are of infinite value, subtle and immeasurable guides for caring for all beings.
Just as the precepts are offered to us by those who come before, they and what they inspire in us, become in turn our offering to those who come after us. When we live according to the precepts we receive and share the blessings of an awakening life. ❤️ Mushin