Monday, June 23, 2014

The Five Buddhist Precepts


The Five Precepts are not commandments. No deity will punish you if you ignore them. No deity will reward you if you are guided by them.

Thich Nhat Hanh says, "Use the precepts as a mirror."

Joan Halifax suggests we use the Precepts as an ally, not a master.

The Five:

To respect and protect life.

To respect and protect the property of others.

To respect and protect personal boundaries. This has to do with sex and control, freedom and choice.

To respect and protect language. This has to do with truth and the knowledge that words can cause more harm than a sharp blade.

To respect and protect yourself. This has to do with intoxication and the health of your mind, your ability to decide.

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