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【本刊訊】三壇大戒，顧名思義，三壇是三個壇，初壇為沙彌（尼）戒，二壇比丘（尼）戒，三壇（出家、在家）菩薩戒。三壇大戒不同於其他誦經、拜懺…等壇，而是專為授受「戒體」所設之壇場。依受戒之對象，可分為兩類：一是初壇與二壇，僅出家眾可受；二是第三壇菩薩戒，其對象沒有限制，只要解法師語，發大乘菩薩心，求受淨戒，盡受得戒。因為受出家具足戒，正式成為僧寶，乃是要為人天模範、住持佛法、弘法利生，故有較嚴格的限制；而菩薩戒乃重在大乘菩提心，因此只要解法師語，盡得受戒。
每一壇在正式登壇受戒之前，必須把罪業懺除，才能領納戒體；正如充滿髒水的瓶子，必須先把髒水去除，裝入潔淨的水時，才不會受到汙染。而戒體又是什麼？戒體為什麼是這麼重要呢？淺略地說，戒體是良善、清淨的、是無漏的，有如種子、樹根會慢慢長大，能幫助我們自然生出止惡防非的力量，持守清淨的戒律，令人在菩提道上精進不退，直至成佛。
因此之故，萬佛聖城今年舉辦第七次的三壇大典，以滿眾生願。六月一日戒期開始，戒子們接受密集的訓練，除簡要記誦了道場中共修的佛事外，拜願、背戒與戒律課是沙彌（尼）戒子的重點。早晚各兩小時的拜願，助我們懺悔往昔的罪障，期能安全受戒沒有障礙：戒律課與背戒是為受戒、持戒打基礎，期能得到上品戒體，依戒行持。須背的戒律包括十條沙彌戒、五十三小咒、二百五十條比丘戒、三百四十八條比丘尼戒、及五十八條菩薩戒。
就在九月九日這天，在萬佛聖城莊嚴戒壇內的傳戒大典正式展開，殿堂中響起陣陣的鼓聲，戒子們依序而進，正式步入將此身命奉塵剎的生命歷程。戒子們以嚴肅的心情接受訓練，祈願能順利過關。戒子們經過一次又一次不斷地重覆排練登壇的各項儀規，終於九月十一日，正式登壇受具足戒，成為佛教的新血輪。
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By Nung Ren
[Announcement:] The Three Platforms of Precepts refers to the first platform of Shramanera/Shramanerika (Novice) Precepts, the second platform of Bhikshu/Bhikshuni Precepts, and the third platform of (Left-home and Lay) Bodhisattva Precepts. The Three Platforms of Precepts differ from other platforms for reciting sutras, bowing repentances, and so forth. While the first and second platforms are restricted to lefthome people, the third platform of Bodhisattva Precepts may be taken by any being who understands the words of the Dharma Master, brings forth a great Bodhi resolve, and seeks the pure precepts. Because one who takes the left-home precepts formally becomes part of the Sangha Jewel, and must furthermore be a model for humans and gods, establish and uphold the Buddhadharma, and propagate it to benefit living beings, there are rigorous restrictions. On the other hand, the Bodhisattva Precepts emphasize the Great Vehicle Bodhi Resolve, so as long as one brings forth the mind to receive the precepts, and comprehends the Dharma Master's speech, one may receive the precepts.
In each platform, before actually receiving the precepts, the preceptees must repent for their karmic offenses, so that they can obtain the pure precept substance. It is just like a vase filled with dirty water. Only after the dirty water has been poured out and the vase is filled with clean water will it become pure. What is the precept substance, and why is it so important? Briefly speaking, the precept substance is wholesome, pure, and without outflows, like a seed or root which gradually grows, helping us to naturally produce the strength to avoid wrongdoing. Guarding and upholding the pure precept substance enables one to vigorously advance upon the Bodhisattva Path without retreating, until Buddhahood is reached.
Because of this, the Sagely City of Ten Thousand Buddhas, to fulfil the hopes of living beings, has conducted the Seventh Transmission of the Three Platforms of Great Precepts.
On June 1st, the preceptees began a period of intensive training for the ordination. In addition to the regular schedule of the Way-place, the preceptees concentrated on bowing, memorizing the precepts, and attending classes on precepts. Bowing for two hours each morning and each evening helped us to repent of our past karmic offenses, allowing us to receive the precepts without difficulty. Memorizing and studying the precepts laid a foundation for us to hold the precepts, to receive the most superior precept substance, and to practice according to the precepts. The preceptees had to memorize the ten Shramanera Precepts, the fifty-three small mantras, the two hundred fifty Bhikshu or three hundred forty-eight Bhikshuni Precepts, and the fifty-eight Bodhisattva Precepts. On Sept. 9th, the Great Ordination Ceremony began in the Adorned Precept Platform at the Sagely City. As the drums rolled, the preceptees lined up to begin their journey, during which they would offer their lives to as many lands as motes of dust. Having trained seriously, they now hoped to smoothly pass through this gate.
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