We should be learning Buddhism for the purpose of purifying our body and mind{8}, and to change our temperament. Sometimes, an upright body{9} may influence and make the mind righteous too. A righteous mind{10} may help to develop an upright body. For a person who pays attention to etiquette, his body and mind will be purified automatically, and his morality will be enhanced too. At all times, the four etiquettes of walking, standing, sitting and lying{11} must be observed properly. We even need to pay extra attention to our etiquettes while reciting Buddha's name, prostrating to Buddha, and chanting sutras. Just as the verse says,

Raise the voice of the Buddha like slow flowing water,

Chant sutras and practicing the Way like orderly flying geese;

Joining palms at chest level like carrying water,

Stand tall and erect like carrying oil atop the head.

Look ahead and watch the back, taking light steps in movement,

Turn left and right, lifting your gaze only half way;

To constantly maintain etiquettes and movements as such.

One's role as a Buddhism bhiksu shall not go to waste.

Human civilization can be judged by looking at their etiquettes. The four etiquettes are not only the cultivation for monastics, lay Buddhists also need to follow and practice them.





【Key Words】


{8} Purify body and mind：淨化身心

{9} Upright body：身正

{10} Righteous mind：心正

{11} Walking, standing, sitting and

lying：行立坐臥