A General Discussion on the Vinaya School

The Vinaya School stresses the study of precepts, the rules and regulations.  In the four comportments of walking, standing, sitting, and lying down, one has to be stern and dignified, and the three karmas of body, mouth, and mind have to be pure. 

Upasaka and Upasikas (the laity--laymen and laywomen), the two lay assemblies, maintain the Five precepts and Eight Precepts, as well as the Ten Major and 48 Minor Bodhisattva Precepts. 

Shramaeras and Shramanerikas (the novices--male and female) take the Ten Novice Precepts. 

Bhikshus (fully ordained monks) have 250 precepts, while bhikshunis (fully ordained nuns) have 348 precepts.

One should maintain each and every one of those precepts without ever violating them and believe, accept, and offer up one's conduct.

One should be mindful of the agony of revolving in birth and death.  If we lose this human body, it will be hard to recover it in ten thousand eons.  Therefore, at all times we should strictly cultivate the Vinaya, and never be lax.

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