Fusatsu and the Ten Grave Precepts

The term Fusatsu is derived from the Sanksrit word meaning observance. The exact form of the ceremony varies somewhat from one temple to another. Still, it occurs around the Full Moon (July's was the Buck Moon) and usually begins with an offering of incense and then starts with chanting the Verse of Atonement. In the sangha that I belong to we start with:

Inviting the Ancestors ◎ ◎ ◎

All awakened ones throughout space and time, honoured ones, great beings,

who help all to awaken,

together may we realize wisdom beyond wisdom.

then as a precept holder (Jukai), I participate in TAKKESA GE (Verse of the Kesa)

followed by SAN GE MON (Verse of Atonement) x3

All my past and harm-ful kar-ma

Born from be-gin-ning-less greed, hate, and de-lus-ion.

Through bod-y, speech and mind.

I now ful-ly a-vow. Traditionally Zen teachers say this Verse is not a mere confession of personal flaws. Understanding the interconnection of all things, we take full responsibility for all;

all that has been, is and will be

and declare atonement – at-one-ment; with all things

and with the truth of suffering, as laid out in the Four Noble Truths. This is not about feeling shame or guilt, but rather is an open-hearted recognition of our part in everyone’s journey.

As part of my Jukai training we looked at "Living by Vow" by Shohaku Okumura, you can click here if you wish to view my thoughts on the verse, in full, at that time.

In taking the Buddhist Precepts, students take refuge in the Three Jewels – Buddha, Dharma and Sangha – in a ceremony known as Jukai. This is a formal acknowledgement of wanting to lead your life according to the Buddha’s teachings. Jukai is a personal and public commitment to aspire to lead your life in keeping with the sixteen precepts that form the basis of the Soto Zen practice. 16 - The 3 Refuges, The 3 Pure Precepts, and 10 Grave Precepts, during Fusatsu we renew them all.

Below is how I was gifted the Ten Grave Precepts:

I vow not to kill.

I vow not to take what is not given.

I vow not to misuse sexuality.

I vow not to lie.

I vow not to cloud the mind.

I vow not to slander.

I vow not to praise myself at the expense of others.

I vow not to be possessive of anything.

I vow not to harbour anger.

I vow not to disparage the Buddha, Dharma, or Sangha. These are mentioned as Fusatsu is a “Day of Reflection” in which practitioners choose to focus on one or more of the ten grave precepts and embody it for that day – then hopefully take it forwards in everyday life. As part of the observation of Fusatsu, we also observe ourselves and our habitual ways of being. Gassho

Shinjin

SAN KI RAI MON