The Ethical Precepts

Street Retreat Sangha

Three Treasures of a Zen Peacemaker
Recognizing my place in the Circle of Life, I take refuge in:

  • Buddha, the oneness of life
  • Dharma, the diversity of life
  • Sangha, where oneness and diversity come together in harmony

Three Tenets of a Zen Peacemaker
Taking refuge in The Three Treasures, I vow to live a life of:

  • Not-Knowing, by giving up fixed ideas about ourselves and the universe
  • Bearing Witness to the joy and suffering of the world
  • Taking Action that arises from Not-Knowing and Bearing Witness

Ten Precepts of a Zen Peacemaker:
Embodying The Three Tenets, I practice these Precepts:

  • Recognizing that I am not separate from all that is. This is the precept of Non-Killing.
  • Being satisfied with what I have. This is the precept of Non-Stealing.
  • Meeting the diversity of life with respect and dignity. This is the precept of Chaste Conduct.
  • Listening and speaking from the heart. This is the precept of Non-Lying.
  • Cultivating a mind that sees clearly. This is the precept of Not Being Ignorant.
  • Bearing witness to the offering of each moment. This is the precept of Not Talking About Others’ Errors And Faults.
  • Speaking what I perceive to be the truth. This is the precept of Not Elevating Myself And Blaming Others.
  • Using all the ingredients of my life. This is the precept of Not Being Stingy.
  • Bearing witness to emotions that arise. This is the precept of Not Holding On To Anger.
  • onoring my life as a Peacemaker. This is the precept of Not Disparaging The Three Treasures.

Four Irrevocable Directives of a Zen Peacemaker.
Living The Ten Precepts I commit to:

  • a commitment to a culture of nonviolence and respect for life;
  • a commitment to a culture of solidarity and a just economic order
  • a commitment to a culture of tolerance and a life of truthfulness;
  • a commitment to a culture of equal rights and partnership between men and women.

The Four Great Bodhisattva Vows
Creations are numberless, I vow to serve them.
Delusions are inexhaustible, I vow to transform them.
Reality is boundless, I vow to perceive it.
The awakened way is unsurpassable, I vow to embody it.