An Essay on Views about the Essence of the Precepts of Sanmayakai

Abstract

　The kaitai, or essence, of the precepts is not a concept originally present in the scriptures. It was gradually developed by later generations of masters. Even the kaitai, of the precepts of Mikkyo (Esoteric Buddhism) given in the kanjo (abhisheka, the ceremony for conferring precepts onto a person), are not clearly explained in the scriptures. According to previous research, the root of the concept of kaitai lay in the importance of distinguishing the members of the sangha or monastic order from other people. Consequently, when considering the kaitai of the precepts of Mikkyo, the problem lies in identifying the criteria that qualify one for nyudan (to climb the platform and receive the precepts)—the criteria to become a Shingon ascetic—and how such attainment is granted. By considering these points, one can further organize and discuss views on the kaitai of Mikkyo. In this paper, while taking as basis the doctrine of Dainichikyosho and referring to the understanding of the precepts of Mikkyo of master Donjaku of the Edo era, we present a new perspective on the views pertaining to the essence of the precepts of Sanmaya-kai. We conclude that the San-shi-wu-zhang-ai-zhi-jie is an exhortation to dedicate and surrender the sangyo (or three activities) of action, speech, and thought to the various Buddhas. For this, an understanding of ku (or emptiness) is essential. Therefore, in kanjo, the conferring of the symbol of shogi bodaishin (awakening the desire for ultimate truth and bodhi-mind or spiritual consciousness) is considered the origin of kaitai hottoku (awakening and realizing the essence of the precepts).