The Significance of Observing Precepts A Dharma Talk given at the Buddhist Lodge The Buddha Dharma is vast and relies not only on monastics for its propagation, but also on Buddhist lay followers to shoulder this responsibility, so that everyone will know this noble path to enlightenment. There are two main pathways to learning the Buddha Dharma: Sudden (Fast) or Gradual (Slow). Those who have the karmic affinity are able to achieve enlightenment swiftly upon hearing the Dharma, even just once (the so-called “Hearers”). This is the sudden path. On the other hand, there are others who slowly and steadfastly practise the teachings and finally reach the destination, perhaps not in this lifetime, but in a future one. This is the gradual or slow path.
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