LUANG POR THONG DAENG | Refuge & Precepts Ceremony and Meditation Instructions | Dhammagiri | LP Tongdaeng

Luang Por Tongdaeng was so kind to perform for us the traditional ceremony of taking refuge in the 'Triple Gem' (Buddha, Dhamma & Sangha), and to observe the 8 precepts.

• Dr Lakmini is leading our lay community in requesting the Three Refuges and the 8 precepts from Luang Por

• Next, Luang Por recites 'Namo tassa...' (Homage to the Buddha) three times.

• The lay community repeats 'Namo tassa...' three times.

• Luang Por recites each of the 8 precepts in Pali, followed by the lay community repeating each precepts.

The Buddha recommended that laity keeps eight precepts on the 'Uposatha' holidays, marking the four moon phases (about once a week). Lay disciples of the Buddha are encouraged to dedicate these days to spiritual practice, avoiding any distractions and spending the day meditating, listening to Dhamma, visiting monasteries, and making good karma.

As our modern calendar doesn't follow the moon phases, at Dhammagiri we usually do our One Day Meditation Retreat with 8 precpts on the weekend: Every Saturday 07.30 am; and Sundays closest to the full moon at 09.00 am.

The eight precepts are more focussed on renunciation and developing meditation than the regular five precepts.

Although there's nothing 'evil' in eating in the evening, or listening to music, these activites still distract the mind, incline us to sensuality, and make the develpment of samādhi much more difficult.

English Translation of the Eight Precepts:

1. "I undertake the training rule to abstain from intentionally killing any living being." (including animals, even insects)
2. "I undertake the training rule to abstain from stealing."
3. "I undertake the training rule to abstain from any non-celibate conduct."
4. "I undertake the training rule to abstain from lying."
5. "I undertake the training rule to abstain from alcohol or any drugs that cause intoxication and heedlessness."
6. "I undertake the training rule to abstain from eating at the unsuitable time." ('unsuitable' in this context means from noon until next dawn, i.e. one eats only in the morning)
7. "I undertake the training rule to abstain from dancing, singing, music, shows & entertainments, garlands, perfumes, cosmetics, make up, jewelry and adornments."
8. "I undertake the training rule to abstain from high or luxurious seats/beds"

After the ceremony has concluded, Luang Por provides some instructions for the following session of silent meditation, translated by Ajahn Moshe.

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