The Surangama Sutra: Twenty-Five Means to Enlightenment, Session Three, Part 5 of 6 April 6, 2019

This one, “Precept Withholding Number One.” That’s why he became like a precept transmitter in this group. That’s what he thinks: precepts and controlling your mind, your body – don’t let it ruin you, don’t let it rule over you – is a method. Now, “Maudgalyayana arose from his seat, bowed at the feet of the Buddha, and said to the Buddha, ‘Once, when I was out on the road begging for food, I met the three Kasyapa brothers, who proclaimed for me the Thus Come One’s profound principle of causes and conditions. I immediately brought forth resolve and obtained a great understanding.’” Just to hear the cause and effect, he determined to obtain a great understanding, meaning he resolved… he must get enlightenment. You know something and you feel something, and you’re determined to get it, it’s another thing. We need a lot of cause and conditions to arrive at where we want to arrive. Just time, just the right time.