Upholding the precepts generates infinite meritorious virtues
After taking the precepts, if you are able to uphold them, you will have the fragrance of the precepts. Ordinary fragrance can only be smelled downwind, but the fragrance of the precepts permeates everywhere and can be smelled even upwind. When you uphold the precepts, you will be protected by the guardian deity of the precepts. Even a bad person who senses your virtue of precept observance will respect you in his mind. Upholding the precepts generates infinite virtues; how about breaking the precepts? It is said, “Once you lose the chance of being reborn as a human being, it may be tens and thousands of kalpas before you regain it.” You should bear this in mind.