Awakening the Eye of Wisdom

A lot of people believe that you can awaken wisdom through exotic practices and such, but I found this quotation by Kōkai, founder of the Shingon Buddhist sect, rather interesting. I found this in Religions of Japan in Practice, a collection of essays about Japanese Buddhism in the medieval ages.¹ The quotation actually comes from Kūkai’s final instruction, the yuikai (遺誡):

“Never violate the Exoteric and Esoteric² Buddhist precepts; firmly obsere them and maintain yourselves in purity…..Unless one observes all these precepts, one’s eye of wisdom will be dark. Knowing this, protect them as you would protect your life. Indeed, forsake your life rather than violate them.” (trans. Paul B. Watt)

Given the erroneous belief I sometimes see on the Internet or in modern Buddhist books about marginalizing the precepts, or treating them as a practice for beginners only, I find this quote very inspiring. A true Buddhist, even to the end of his days, strives to follow good moral conduct at all times. If he or she makes a mistake, one simply repents and disavows past actions, and tries again. There’s no shame in admitting you’ve made a mistake.

Speaking as one who struggles to follow even these simple rules myself, and repents often, it’s a healthy reminder of what matters in Buddhism. No effort is wasted, because everyone is inter-dependent, so everyone benefits by your efforts, however small. Be a light for others.

P.S. Another good quotation by Kukai here.

¹ Continuing my theme about challenging the accepted histories of Japanese Buddhism.

² The exoteric precepts come in many varieties. The five moral precepts for lay people, the monastic codes for monks, etc. The esoteric precepts of Shingon Buddhism are the sanmayakai (三摩耶戒):

1. Never to abandon the True Dharma.
2. Never to negate bodhicitta.
3. Never to withhold or be selective of Buddhist teachings toward others.
4. Never to cause any sentient being any harm.

According to Ryuichi Abe’s book, The Weaving of Mantra, these are taken as a student is initiated into the esoteric teachings under a teacher.