持戒偈
Verses [On] Upholding Precepts
初学持戒，
即为止恶，
即戒三毒，
贪嗔与痴。
First learn [to] uphold [the] precepts, [that] are for stopping evil, [which] is [to] abstain [from the] Three Poisons, [of] greed, hatred and delusion.
后学持戒，
即为行善，
即修三药，
施悲与智。
Later learn [to] uphold [the] precepts, [that] are for practising good, [which] is [to] cultivate [the] Three Antidotes, [of] generosity, compassion and wisdom.
恒顺偈
Verses [On] Constant Compliance
恒顺众生，
并非随便。
唯不破戒，
即可随顺。
[To] constantly comply [with] sentient beings, really is not [to do] as one pleases. Only [that which does] not break precepts, can then [be] accordingly followed.
若不顺戒，
以何恒顺？
不顺佛性，
即随魔行。
If not following precepts, with what constantly complying? Not complying [with] Buddha-nature, [is] then [to] follow Māra’s practices.
持戒念佛偈
Verses [On] Upholding [Of] Precepts [And] Mindfulness [Of] Buddha
平时已持戒，
心念较清净。
念佛更易行，
越念越清净。
[In] normal times already upholding precepts, [the] mind’s thoughts [are] comparatively purer. Mindfulness [of] Buddha [is] even easier [to] practise, [with] more mindfulness more pure.
未持也念佛，
念时戒清净。
虽稍不易行，
越念越清净。
[If] yet [to] uphold [precepts] also mindful [of] Buddha, when mindful, [the] precepts [are] pure. Although slightly less easy [to] practise, [with] more mindfulness more pure.
