The third level is the "precept that is in conjunction with wisdom." From the time people first see their true nature to the time they achieve Buddhahood, their wisdom will progressively deepen. During this time, they will not have to remind themselves to keep the precepts. At this point precepts are a natural part of the practice.

STUDENT:

What is the difference between the second and third levels?

SHIH-FU:

At the second level, the samadhi level, it is possible to regress. While in samadhi you cannot and will not break the precepts, but when the power of the samadhi experience fades, you have the potential to break the precepts. However, as samadhi power increases, wisdom often deepens. So although it is possible for such people to break a precept, their breaches will not be serious ones. As for sexual misconduct, people who have experienced genuine samadhi simply will have no interest in sex.