Buddhist teachings are methods to end the cycle of birth and death; they are the fundamental ways to relieve all suffering and difficulty. How do we end the cycle of birth and death? It is not enough to take the lay precepts. However, taking the lay precepts is the first step toward taking the monastic precepts. To realize Buddhahood, we cannot leave out this first step! Is there any Buddha in the Ten Directions who did not begin with the Five Precepts? However, we need to advance toward the monastic precepts, which will enable us to be truly liberated.