Tha^y's (the teacher) 14 Precepts:
- Do not be idolatrous about or bound to any
doctrine, theory, or ideology, even Buddhist ones. All systems of thought are
guiding means; they are not absolute truth.
- Do not think that the knowledge you presently
possess is changeless, absolute truth. Avoid being narrow-minded and bound to
resent views. Learn and practice non-attachment from views in order to be open
to receive others' viewpoints. Truth is found in life and not merely in
conceptual knowledge. Be ready to learn throughout our entire life and to
observe reality in yourself and in the world at all times.
- Do not force others, including children, by
any means whatsoever, to adopt your views, whether by authority, threat,
money, propaganda, or even education. However, through compassionate dialogue,
help others renounce fanaticism and narrowness.
- Do not avoid contact with suffering or close
your eyes before suffering. Do not lose awareness of the existence of
suffering in the life of the world. find ways to be with those who are
suffering by all means, including personal contact and visits, images, sound.
By such means, awaken yourself 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 you life fame, profit, wealth, or sensual
pleasure. Live simply and share 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
deeply understand the persons who have caused anger and hatred. Learn to look
at other beings with the eyes of compassion.
- Do not lose yourself in dispersion and in your
surroundings. Learn to practice breathing in order to regain composure of body
and mind, to practice mindfulness, and to develop concentration and
understanding.
- Do not utter words that can create discord and
cause the community to break. Make every effort to reconcile and resolve all
conflicts, however small.
- Do not say untruthful things for the sake of
personal interest of to impress people. Do not utter words that cause
diversion and hatred. Do not spread news that you do not know to be certain.
Do not criticize or condemn things you are not sure of. Always speak
truthfully and constructively. Have the courage to speak out about situations
of injustice, even when doing so may threaten your own safety.
- Do not use the Buddhist community for personal
gain or profit, or transform your community into a political party. A
religious community should, however, 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 others of their
chance to life. Select a vocation which helps realize your ideal compassion.
- Do not kill. Do not let others kill. Find
whatever means possible to protect life and to prevent war.
- Possess nothing that should belong to others.
Respect the property of others but prevent others from enriching themselves
from human suffering or the suffering of other beings.
- Do not mistreat your body. Learn to handle it
with respect. Do not look on your body as only and instrument. Preserve vital
energies (sexual, breath, spirit) for the realization of the Way. Sexual
expression should not happen without love and commitment. In sexual
relationships be aware of future suffering that may be caused. To preserve the
happiness of others, respect the rights and commitments of others. Be fully
aware of the responsibility of bringing new lives into the world. Meditate on
the world into which you are bringing new beings.
Do not believe that I feel that I follow each and
every of these precepts perfectly. I know I fail in many ways. None of us can
fully fulfill any of these. However, I must work toward a goal. These are my
goal. No words can replace practice, only practice can make the words.
"The finger pointing at the
moon is not the moon."
More about Thich Nhat Hanh
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