|

The First Precept of Mindfulness:
Openness
Aware of the suffering created by fanaticism and intolerance, I am
determined not to be idolatrous about or bound to any doctrine, theory
or ideology, even Buddhist ones. Buddhist teachings are guiding means
to help me learn to look deeply and to develop my understanding and
compassion. They are not doctrines to fight, kill or die for.
The Second Precept of Mindfulness:
Non-attachment to Views
Aware of suffering created by attachment to views and wrong perceptions,
I am determined to avoid being narrow-minded and bound to present views.
I will learn and practise non-attachment from views in order to be open
to others insights and experiences. I am aware that the knowledge
I presently possess is not changeless, absolute truth. Truth is found
in life and I will observe life within and around me in every moment,
ready to learn throughout my life.
The Third Precept of Mindfulness:
Freedom of Thought
Aware of the suffering brought about when I impose my views on others,
I am committed not to force others, even my children, by any means whatsoever
such as authority, threat, money, propaganda or indoctrination
to adopt my views. I will respect the right of others to be different
and to choose what to believe and how to decide. I will, however, help
others renounce fanaticism and narrowness through compassionate dialogue.
The Fourth Precept of Mindfulness:
Awareness of Suffering
Aware that looking deeply at the nature of suffering can help me develop
compassion and find ways out of suffering, I am determined not to avoid
or close my eyes before suffering. I am committed to finding ways, including
personal contact, images and sounds, to be with those who suffer, so
I can understand their situation deeply and help them transform their
suffering into compassion, peace and joy.
The Fifth Precept of Mindfulness:
Simple, Healthy Living
Aware that true happiness is rooted in peace, solidity, freedom and
compassion, and not in wealth or fame, I am determined not to take as
the aim of my life fame, profit, wealth or sensual pleasure, nor to
accumulate wealth while millions are hungry and dying. I am committed
to living simply and sharing my time, energy and material resources
with those in real need. I will practise mindful consuming, not using
alcohol, drugs or any other products that bring toxins into my own and
the collective body and consciousness.
The Sixth Precept of Mindfulness:
Dealing with Anger
Aware that anger blocks communication and creates suffering, I am determined
to take care of the energy of anger when it arises and to recognise
and transform the seeds of anger that lie deep in my consciousness.
When anger comes up, I am determined not to do or say anything, but
to practise mindful breathing or mindful walking and acknowledge, embrace
and look deeply into my anger. I will learn to look with the eyes of
compassion on those I think are the cause of my anger.
The Seventh Precept of Mindfulness:
Dwelling Happily in the Present Moment
Aware that life is available only in the present moment and that it
is possible to live happily in the here and now, I am committed to training
myself to live deeply each moment of daily life. I will try not to lose
myself in dispersion or be carried away by regrets about the past, worries
about the future, or craving, anger or jealousy in the present. I will
practise mindful breathing to come back to what is happening in the
present moment. I am determined to learn the art of mindful living by
touching the wondrous, refreshing and healing elements that are inside
and around me, and by nourishing seeds of joy, peace, love and understanding
in myself, thus facilitating the work of transformation and healing
in my consciousness.
The Eighth Precept of Mindfulness:
Community and Communication
Aware that lack of communication always brings separation and suffering,
I am committed to training myself in the practice of compassionate listening
and loving speech. I will learn to listen deeply without judging or
reacting and refrain from uttering words that can create discord or
cause the community to break. I will make every effort to keep communications
open and to reconcile and resolve all conflicts, however small.
The Ninth Precept of Mindfulness:
Truthful and Loving Speech
Aware that words can create suffering or happiness, I am committed
to learning to speak truthfully and constructively, using only words
that inspire hope and confidence. I am determined not to say untruthful
things for the sake of personal interest or to impress people, nor to
utter words that might cause division or hatred. I will not spread news
that I do not know to be certain nor criticise or condemn things of
which I am not sure. I will do my best to speak out about situations
of injustice, even when doing so may threaten my safety.
The Tenth Precept of Mindfulness:
Protecting the Sangha
Aware that the essence and aim of a Sangha is the practise of understanding
and compassion, I am determined not to use the Buddhist community for
personal gain or profit or transform our community into a political
instrument. A spiritual community should, however, take a clear stand
against oppression and injustice and should strive to change the situation
without engaging in partisan conflicts.
The Eleventh Precept of Mindfulness:
Right Livelihood
Aware that great violence and injustice have been done to the environment
and society, I am committed not to live with a vocation that is harmful
to humans and nature. I will do my best to select a livelihood that
helps realize my ideal of understanding and compassion. Aware of global
economic, political and social realities, I will behave responsibly
as a consumer and as a citizen, not investing in companies that deprive
others of their chance to live.
The Twelfth Precept of Mindfulness:
Reverence for Life
Aware that much suffering is caused by war and conflict, I am determined
to cultivate non-violence, understanding and compassion in my daily
life, to promote peace education, mindful mediation and reconciliation,
within families, communities, nations and in the world. I am determined
not to kill and not to let others kill. I will diligently practice deep
looking with my Sangha to discover better ways to protect life, comfort
the sick and dying, and to prevent war.
The Thirteenth Precept of Mindfulness:
Generosity
Aware of the suffering caused by exploitation, social injustice, stealing
and oppression, I am committed to cultivating loving kindness and learning
ways to work for the well-being of people, animals, plants and minerals.
I will practice generosity by sharing my time, energy and material resources
with those who are in need. I am determined not to steal and not to
possess anything that should belong to others. I will respect the property
of others, but will try to prevent others from profiting from human
suffering or the suffering of other beings.
The Fourteenth Precept of Mindfulness:
Right Conduct
Aware that sexual relations motivated by craving cannot dissipate the
feeling of loneliness, but will create more suffering, frustration and
isolation, I am determined not to engage in sexual relations without
mutual understanding, love and a long-term commitment. In sexual relations,
I must be aware of future suffering that may be caused. I know that
to preserve the happiness of myself and others, I must respect the rights
and commitments of myself and others. I will do everything in my power
to protect children from sexual abuse and to protect couples and families
from being broken by sexual misconduct. I will treat my body with respect
and preserve my vital energies (sexual, breath, spirit) for the realisation
of my bodhisattva ideal.

|