My dear friends,
The fourteenth precept under the sixth point in Geshe Chekawa's Mind Training in Seven Points is:
This precept lends itself to various interpretations depending on the translator and their tradition. Despite the differences in translation — such as "Do not use perverse means" or "Do not misperform the rites" — there is a common thread that we can use to try to understand the original intention of Geshe Chekawa.
The essence of this precept, across its different translations, revolves around the idea of maintaining integrity, sincerity, and honesty in one's spiritual practice and interactions with others. Here are some insights into this common thread:
- Integrity and Sincerity: "Do not be treacherous" or "Do not use perverse means" emphasizes the importance of staying true to one's ethical and moral values. It suggests avoiding deceitful or manipulative behavior, ensuring that one's actions are aligned with a pure Bodhisattva motivation to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all beings, and not driven by selfish motives.
- Authenticity in Practice: "Do not misperform the rites" points to the importance of practicing spiritual disciplines correctly and with the right mindset. It encourages practitioners to avoid superficiality or rote performance of rituals without understanding or sincerity. The focus is on engaging in practices with a genuine heart and clear understanding.
- Ethical Discipline: This precept highlights the necessity of ethical discipline in the Bodhisattva path. It underscores the need to be mindful of how one's actions impact others and to avoid behaviors that could harm or deceive.
- Avoiding Spiritual Bypassing: The precept can also be seen as a warning against using spiritual practices or teachings for personal gain or to avoid addressing deeper personal issues. It encourages practitioners to face their challenges honestly rather than bypassing them through spiritual rationalization.
In the context of the Bodhisattva path, this precept serves as a reminder to cultivate Bodhicitta — the Awakening Mind of love, compassion and wisdom — honestly and wholeheartedly. Whether it is avoiding deceit, performing rites with sincerity, or maintaining ethical integrity, the underlying message is to ensure that one's spiritual journey is grounded in authenticity and altruism.