Buddhist Precepts
Precepts are vows that a Buddhist take to cultivate and observe ethical conduct. Rather than being commandments, they are voluntary undertakings to refrain from actions that cause harm—to oneself and to others. There are over 200 precepts that can be observed, the number of precepts is usually determined by the level of Buddhist training one is undergoing.
The Five Precepts are the most basic ethical commitments for lay Buddhists.
The Five Precepts are the most basic ethical commitments for lay Buddhists.
The First Precept: I vow to support all living creatures, and refrain from killing.
The Second Precept: I vow to respect the property of others, and refrain from stealing.
The Third Precept: I vow to regard all beings with respect and dignity, and refrain from objectifying others.
The Fourth Precept: I vow to be truthful, and refrain from lying.
The Fifth Precept: I vow to maintain a clear mind and refrain from harming myself or others with intoxication.
The Second Precept: I vow to respect the property of others, and refrain from stealing.
The Third Precept: I vow to regard all beings with respect and dignity, and refrain from objectifying others.
The Fourth Precept: I vow to be truthful, and refrain from lying.
The Fifth Precept: I vow to maintain a clear mind and refrain from harming myself or others with intoxication.
Because Lotus Heart Zen is always exploring an authentic American Buddhist tradition. The following precepts can be made by a practitioners who are interested in practicing engaged Buddhism (Buddhist social action). These precepts can be taken by lay practitioners and clergy alike.
Engaged Buddhist Precepts*
- One should not be idolatrous about or bound to any doctrine, any theory, any ideology (including Buddhist ones). Buddhist systems of thought must be guiding means and not absolute truth.
- Do not think the knowledge you presently possess is changeless absolute truth. Avoid being narrow-minded and bound to present views in order to be open to receive the viewpoints of others. Truth is to be found only in life and not in conceptual knowledge. One should be ready to learn during one’s whole life and to observe life in oneself and in the world at times.
- Do not force others, including children, by any means whatsoever to adopt your view, whether by authority, threat, money, propaganda, or even education. However, one should through compassionate dialogue, help others to renounce fanaticism and narrowness.
- One should not avoid contact with sufferings or close one’s eyes before sufferings. One should not lose awareness of the existence of suffering in the life of the world. Seek ways to come to those who are suffering by all means such as personal contact and visits, images, and sound. By such means one should awaken oneself and others to the reality of suffering in the world.
- Do not accumulate wealth while millions are hungry. Do not take as the aim of your life fame, profit, wealth, or sensual pleasure. One should live simply and share one’s time, energy, and material resources with those who are in need.
- Do not maintain anger or hatred. As soon as anger and hatred arise, practice the meditation on compassion in order to encompass with love the persons who have caused anger and hatred. Learn to look at other beings with the eyes of compassion.
- One should not lose oneself in dispersion and in one’s surroundings. Learn to practice breathing in order to regain control of body and mind, to practice mindfulness and to develop concentration and wisdom.
- Do not utter words that can create discord and cause the community to break. All efforts should be made to reconcile and resolve all conflicts however small they may be.
- Do not say untruthful things for the sake of personal interest or to impress people. Do not utter words that cause division and hatred. Do not spread news that you do not know to be certain. Do not criticize or condemn things that you are unsure of. Always speak truthfully and constructively. Have the courage to speak out about situations of injustice, even when it may threaten your own safety.
- One should not use the Buddhist community for personal gain or profit or transform one’s community into a political party. One’s religious community, however, should take a clear stand against oppression and injustice and should strive to change the situation without engaging in partisan conflicts.
- Do not live with a vocation that is harmful to humans and nature. Do not invest in companies that deprive other of their chance to life. Select a vocation that helps to realize your idea of compassion.
- Do not kill. Do not let others kill. Find whatever means possible to protect life and prevent war.
- Possess nothing that should belong to others. Respect the property of others but prevent others from enriching themselves from human suffering.
- Sexual expression should not happen without love and commitment. In sexual relationships one must be aware of future suffering it may cause to others. To preserve the happiness of others, respect the rights and commitments of others.
* from The New Social Face of Buddhism: a call to action by Ken Jones
