The Upasakasila-sutra (Yu-p'o-sai-chieh ching) is a sutra that sets forth the moral code to be observed by lay followers of Buddhism.
The Upasakasila-sutra is also known as the Sujata-sutra (Shansheng ching) because Sujata is the main character of the sutra.
As its title indicates, the Upasakasila-sutra comprehensively elucidates the content, practice, and essence of the moral code to be observed by lay bodhisattvas. It emphasizes the importance of the bodhisattva practice of lay Buddhists. The aspiration of the laity for enlightenment is said to be superior to the fruition of the practice of both sravakas and pratyekabuddhas. At the end of each chapter, the sutra concludes that lay bodhisattvas encounter more difficulties in following the precepts than ordained bodhisattvas. As such, their observance of the precepts is highly praised in the sutra.


Sutra on Upasaka Precepts, Bhiksuni Shih Heng-ching, Numata Center for Buddhist Translation and Research, Hardcover, 225 pages, $30.00