Calligraphy from Zen teacher Thich Nhat Hanh

Three Pure Precepts

  • Avoiding harm

  • Doing good

  • Helping all beings

Ten Precept Practices in Daily Life

  • I vow not to kill and to cherish all life.

  • I vow not to steal and to take what is freely given.

  • I vow not to misuse sexuality, and to be honest and respectful in relationships

  • I vow to speak truthfully and not to lie.

  • I vow not to misuse substances or technology that clouds the mind, and try to keep the mind clear.

  • I vow not to gossip about others’ faults, and to be understanding and sympathetic.

  • I vow not to criticize others, nor to criticize myself.

  • I vow not to offer my spiritual gifts freely, not being stingy with all I can offer.

  • I vow not to indulge in anger, and work with it to transform it into healing.

  • I vow not to speak ill of the Three Treasures but to cherish and uphold them.

Guidelines for Daily Life: The Precepts

In Zen practice, we also study ways of harmonious living, mindful living called the Bodhisattva precepts. Not given as rules, they offer guidance and challenge us to live a life with concern for others, a life of non-harming.

They are written in the form of “vow” or resolve, or something to aspire to and to consider before we respond. We learn from engaging these precepts and working with ourselves in living a Awakened life.

We offer Precepts study and training annually.