VOWS explores the function and significance of monastic precepts in Chinese Buddhist life. This film contains explanations of the uniqueness of ordination rituals in Han Chinese Buddhism. Ven. Ming Ying (Dean, Hebei Buddhist Academy) offers a thought-provoking narrative on Buddhist discipline as a tool to guide us through the difficulties of everyday life in this world.

Content includes footage from inside Bailin Monastery (柏林寺/bailinsi,bolinsi), one of China’s most important Chan training /education centers. Viewers are guests at a “Three-Platform Precept Transmission Assembly” (傳授三壇大戒法會/chuanshousantandajiefahui) for which 200 monks have assembled to formally receive the Prātimokṣa precepts. Laypeople gather in the front courtyards of Bailin to pay homage (燒香/shaoxiang, 拜佛/baifo) by offering incense and prostrations. Also, VOWS contains interviews with young monks who comment on this life-changing event.

Educators use this film as a framework for discussions on Chinese Buddhist life, monasticism and ordination traditions.

1. •Students can discuss the seemingly paradoxical relationship between discipline and liberation, and what role that plays in their modern lives today.
   

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3. •Discuss the historical factors that led to China’s unique ordination traditions.
   

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5. •Encourage students to reflect on guidelines and “rules” in their lives which one may say are guidelines to leading a healthier, spiritual life?
   

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•How could modernity affect this kind of traditional ritual and these traditional principles of discipline? Should this affect be allowed?