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07 December 2011
05 December 2011
The Five Noble Precepts of Buddhism (or How to Be Good)
I have been meditating and studying Zen Master Tich Naht Hanh and his Buddhist practice for awhile now--a combination of Zen meets Tibet meets the West. I want a record and a reminder of these five Noble Precepts and aspire toward this perfection. Especially in these hard times and this starry season when souls are weary and the winter wind blows cold through the tree. (Become Aware. Vow. Determine. Know. Understand.)
The Five Noble Precepts of Buddhism from Tich Naht Hanh
The First Precept
Aware of the suffering caused by the destruction of life, I vow to cultivate compassion and learn ways to protect the lives of people, animals, plants and minerals. I am determined not to kill, not to let others kill, and not condone any act of killing in the world, in my thinking, and in my way of life.
The Second Precept
Aware of the suffering caused by exploitation, social injustice, stealing and oppression, I vow to cultivate loving kindness and learn ways to work for the well-being of people, animals, plants and minerals. I vow to practice generosity by sharing my time, energy and material resources with those who are in real need. I am determined not to steal or possess anything that should belong to others. I will respect the property of others, but I will prevent others from profiting from human suffering or the suffering of other species on Earth.
The Third Precept
Aware of the suffering caused by sexual misconduct, I vow to cultivate responsibility and learn ways to protect the safety and integrity of individuals, couples, family and society. I am determined not to engage in sexual relations without love and a long-term commitment. To preserve the happiness of myself and others, I determined to respect my commitments and the commitments of others. I will do everything in my power to protect children from sexual abuse and to prevent couples and families from being broken by sexual misconduct.
Aware of the suffering caused by unmindful speech and the inability to listen to others, I vow to cultivate loving speech and deep listening in order to bring joy and happiness to others and relieve others of their suffering. Knowing that words can create happiness or suffering, I vow to learn to speak truthfully, with words that inspire self-confidence, joy and hope. I am determined not to spread news that I do not know to be true and not to criticize or condemn things of which I am not sure. I will refrain from uttering words that can cause division or discord, or that can cause the family or community to break. I will make all efforts to reconcile and resolve all conflicts, however small.
The Fifth Precept
Aware of the suffering caused by unmindful consumption, I vow to cultivate good health, both physical and mental, for myself, my family, and my society by practicing mindful eating, drinking and consuming. I vow to ingest only items that preserve peace, well-being, and joy in my body, my consciousness, and in the collective body and consciousness of my my family and society. I am determined not to use alcohol or any other intoxicant or to ingest food or other items that contain toxins, such as certain TV programs, magazines, books, films, or conversations. I am aware that to damage my my body or my my consciousness with these poisons is to betray my ancestors, my parents, my society, and future generations. I will work to transform violence, fear, and confusion in myself and in society by practicing a diet for myself and society. I understand that a proper diet is crucial for self-transformation and for the transformation of society.
May you find refuge in the Buddha. May the Buddha find refuge in you.
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