The Bodhisattva Precepts

The Zen Precepts serve as reminders - guideposts or guidelines - for harmonious living. They express broad aspirations for our own conduct, to help us ease suffering and live a more compassionate life.

Three Treasures

These treasures give us the heart and strength to practice the Way.

  • I take refuge in the Buddha, in Oneness, the awakened nature of all beings.

  • I take refuge in the Dharma, all phenomena, which is the ocean of wisdom and compassion.

  • I take refuge in the Sangha, in harmony and relationships, the interdependence of all things.

Three Pure Precepts

I Vow Not to Harm; I Vow to Do Good; I Vow to Benefit others.

Ten Grave Precepts

  • Recognizing that I am not separate from all that is, I vow non-killing

  • Being satisfied with what I have, I vow non-stealing

  • Honoring relationships, I vow not to misuse sexuality

  • Listening and speaking truthfully from the heart, I vow non-lying

  • Cultivating a mind that sees clearly, I vow non-intoxicating body or mind

  • Realizing we are all the same, I vow not to speak of others’ faults

  • Not elevating myself above others, I vow not to blame others

  • Using all the ingredients of my life, I vow not to be stingy and not to spare the Dharma assets I have been given

  • Transforming suffering into wisdom, I vow not indulging in anger

  • Honoring my life as an instrument of the Great Way, I vow not to speak ill of the Three Treasures by not debating them but just serving and holding them in my heart.

The Three Tenets of the Zen Peacemakers

Taking refuge and entering the stream of Engaged Spirituality, I vow to live a life of:

  • Not knowing, thereby giving up fixed ideas about myself and the universe.

  • Bearing witness to the joy and suffering of the world.

  • Healing myself and others.

Precepts Study

Precept study is incorporated into our regular Wednesday practice and periodically as an online study intensive. If you would like more information or guidance, please feel free to speak to one of our teachers.

Jukai Ceremony

One Heart Sangha holds an annual Jukai ceremony (taking and receiving the Precepts) for regular students. Speak to a teacher to ask about our next Jukai.