Statement of Right Conduct
and The Ten Grave Precepts
The San Luis Obispo Zen Circle is formed to bring together those who have a sincere desire to practice the Buddha Way.
In promoting the harmony of the Sangha, it is our intention to live in accord with the precepts.
Realizing inappropriate conduct is harmful to ourselves and others, we sincerely intend to align ourselves with wholesome actions, using the precepts as our guide.
Inappropriate conduct may include such acts as untreated addiction, abuse of power, malicious gossip, inappropriate sexual relationships, sexual harassment, bullying, abusive language, and written, verbal or electronic abuse.
It is important for each of us to recognize that people come to the Sangha seeking to practice the Buddhadharma. Occasionally other motivations, such as the need for a social life or seeking a partner, may arise. These are not appropriate intentions for practicing in the Sangha.
Whenever any member or senior instructor displays inappropriate conduct, we should be aware that these actions violate the spirit of practice of right conduct and seriously undermine the harmony of the Sangha. If a situation or difficulty arises, persons who are involved should, first of all, go directly to the person in question and make every effort to work out the situation. If this step fails, the next step is to bring it to the attention of Rev. Shōgen, who will meet with the person/persons involved and try and settle the situation.
If the concern/problem is with Rev. Shogen, then please bring it to the attention of a member of the Teachers Circle and/or the Spiritual Leader at the Zen Center of Los Angeles:
ZCLA Phone: +1(818)387-2351
Email: programsteward@zcla.org
We are committed to working out problems that may arise from violations of right conduct.
Anyone who violates right conduct is also expected to make every effort to realign him/her self with the precepts and take action to restore the harmony of the Sangha. We urge all who come to practice to assume this responsibility for themselves, the welfare of others and the Sangha, and the Buddhadharma. It is through such efforts that mutual trust and respect and the joy of practice will flourish in our Sangha.
It is the responsibility of each of us to live our lives with integrity and to ‘do no harm’.
The Ten Grave Precepts
One | Do Not Kill
Recognizing that I am not separate from all that is. This is the Precept of Non-killing. · Zen Peacemaker
As peacemakers throughout all space and time have observed the Precept of Non-killing, not leading a harmful life nor encouraging others to do so, so will I, with gratitude, recognize that I am not separate from all that is. I will live in harmony with all life and the environment that sustains it. · Day of Reflection
Refrain from taking life. · Yasutani
Affirm life. Do not kill. · Loori
Not killing: Don’t kill; encourage life. There is no thought of killing. · Aitken
Knowing how deeply our lives intertwine, we vow not to kill. · Kaza
Not to kill but to nurture life. · Norman Fischer
I undertake the item of training which consists in abstention from killing living beings. With deeds of loving-kindness, I purify my body. · Sangharakshita
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, and plants. I am determined not to kill, not to let others kill, and not to condone any act of killing in the world, in my thinking and in my way of life. · Thich Nhat Hanh
Two | Do Not Steal
Being satisfied with what I have. This is the Precept of Non-stealing. · Zen Peacemaker
As peacemakers throughout all space and time have observed the Precept of Non-stealing, so will I, with contentment, be satisfied with what I have. I will freely give, ask for, and accept what is needed. · Zen Peacemaker Order
Refrain from stealing. · Yasutani
Be giving. Do not steal. · Loori
Not Stealing. · Aitken
Knowing how deeply our lives intertwine, we vow not to take what is not given. · Kaza
Not to steal what is not given, but to receive what is offered as a gift. · Norman Fischer
I undertake the item of training, which consists of abstention from taking the not-given. With open-handed generosity, I purify my body. · Sangharakshita
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, and plants. 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 and not to 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. · Thich Nhat Hanh
Three | Do Not Be Greedy
Encountering all creations with respect and dignity. This is the Precept of Chaste Conduct. · Zen Peacemaker
As peacemakers throughout all space and time have observed the Precept of Chaste Conduct, so will I, with love, encounter all creations with respect and dignity. I will give and accept love and friendship without clinging. · Day of Reflection
Refrain from impure sexuality. · Yasutani
Honor the body. Do not misuse sexuality. · Loori
Not misusing sex. · Aitken
Knowing how deeply our lives intertwine, we vow to not engage in abusive relationships. · Kaza
Not to misuse sexuality but to be caring and faithful in intimate relationships. · Norman Fischer
I undertake the item of training which consists in abstention from sexual misconduct. With stillness, simplicity, and contentment, I purify my body. · Sangharakshita
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, families, 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 am 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. · Thich Nhat Hanh
Four | Do Not Tell Lies
Listening and speaking from the heart. This is the Precept of Non-lying. · Zen Peacemaker
As peacemakers throughout all space and time have observed the Precept of Non-lying, speaking the truth, and deceiving no one, so will I, with honesty, listen and speak from the heart. I will see and act in accordance with what is. · Early version of Zen Peacemaker Atonement
Refrain from telling lies. · Yasutani
Manifest truth. Do not lie. · Loori
Not lying. · Aitken
Knowing how deeply our lives intertwine, we vow to not speak falsely or deceptively. · Kaza
Not to lie but to be truthful. · Norman Fischer
I undertake the item of training which consists of abstention from false speech. With truthful communication, I purify my speech. · Sangarakshita
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 certain 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 the community to break. I will make all efforts to reconcile and resolve all conflicts, however small. · Thich Nhat Hanh
Five | Do Not Be Ignorant
Also stated as: Refrain from using intoxicants.
Cultivating a mind that sees clearly. This is the Precept of Not Being Deluded. · Zen Peacemaker
As peacemakers throughout all space and time have observed the Precept of Not Being Deluded, nor encouraged others to do so, so will I, with awareness, cultivate a mind that sees clearly. I will embrace all experience directly. · Early version ZCLA Atonement
Refrain from using intoxicants. · Yasutani
Proceed clearly. Do not cloud the mind. · Loori
Not giving or taking drugs. · Aitken
Knowing how deeply our lives intertwine, we vow to not harm self or others through poisonous thought or substance. · Kaza
Not to intoxicate with substances and doctrines but to promote clarity and awareness. · Norman Fischer
I undertake the item of training which consists of abstention from harsh speech. With words kindly and gracious, I purify my speech. · Sangharakshita
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, in my consciousness, and in the collective body and consciousness of my family and society. I am determined not to use alcohol or any other intoxicant or to ingest foods or other items that contain toxins, such as certain TV programs, magazines, books, films, and conversations. I am aware that to damage my body or my consciousness with these poisons is to betray my ancestors, my parents, my society, and future generations. I will work to transform violence, fear, anger, and confusion in myself and in society by practicing a diet for myself and for society. I understand that a proper diet is crucial for self-transformation and for the transformation of society. · Thich Nhat Hanh
Six | Do Not Talk About Others' Errors and Faults
Unconditionally accepting what each moment has to offer. This is the Precept of Not Talking about Others’ Errors and Faults. · Zen Peacemaker
As awakened ones (or peacemakers) throughout all space and time have observed the Precept of Not Talking about Others’ Errors and Faults, so will I, with kindness, for the duration of this day, unconditionally accept what each moment has to offer. I will acknowledge responsibility for everything in my life. · Early version ZCLA Atonement
Refrain from speaking of the shortcomings of others. · Yasutani
See the perfection. Do not speak of others’ errors and faults. · Loori
Not discussing faults of others. · Aitken
Knowing how deeply our lives intertwine, we vow not to dwell on past errors. · Kaza
Not to speak of others’ faults but to speak out of loving-kindness. · Norman Fischer
I will undertake the item of training which consists in abstention from frivolous speech. With utterance helpful and harmonious, I purify my speech. · Sangarakshita
Seven | Do Not Elevate Yourself and Blame Others
Speaking what I perceive to be the truth without guilt or blame. This is the Precept of Not Elevating Oneself and Blaming Others. · Zen Peacemaker
As awakened ones throughout all space and time have observed the Precept of Not Elevating Themselves and Blaming Others, so will I, with humility for the duration of this day, speak what I perceive to be the truth without guilt or blame. I will give my best effort and accept the results. · Early version ZCLA Atonement
Refrain from praising yourself and downgrading others. · Yasutani
Realize self and other as one. Do not elevate the self and blame others. · Loori
Not praising yourself while abusing others. · Aitken
Knowing how deeply our lives intertwine, we vow to not speak of self separately from others. · Kaza
Not to praise self at the expense of others but to be modest. · Norman Fischer
I undertake the item of training which consists in abstention from slanderous speech. With utterance helpful and harmonious, I purify my speech. · Sangharakshita
Eight | Do Not Be Stingy
Using all of the ingredients of my life. This is the Precept of Not Being Stingy. · Zen Peacemaker
As awakened ones throughout all space and time have observed the Precept of Not Being Stingy, so will I, with generosity for the duration of this day, use all of the ingredients of my life. I will not foster a mind of poverty in others or myself. · Early version ZCLA Atonement
Refrain from begrudging the Dharma treasure. · Yasutani
Give generously. Do not be withholding. · Loori
Not sparing the Dharma assets. · Aitken
Knowing how deeply our lives intertwine, we vow to not possess any thing or form of life selfishly. · Kaza
Not to be possessive of anything but to be generous. I undertake the item of training which consists of abstention from covetousness. Abandoning covetousness for tranquility, I purify my mind. · Sangharakshita
Nine | Do Not Be Angry
Transforming suffering into wisdom. This is the Precept of Not Being Angry. · Zen Peacemaker
As awakened ones throughout all space and time have observed the Precept of Not Being Angry, not harboring resentment, rage, or revenge, so will I, with determination for the duration of this day, transform suffering into wisdom. I will roll all negative experience into my practice. · Old version of ZCLA Atonement
Refrain from anger. · Yasutani
Actualize harmony. Do not be angry. · Loori
Not indulging in anger. · Aitken
Knowing how deeply our lives intertwine, we vow to not harbor ill will toward any plant, animal, or human being. · Kaza
Not to harbor anger but to forgive. · Norman Fischer
I undertake the item of training which consists in abstention from hatred. Changing hatred into compassion, I purify my mind. · Sangarakshita
Ten | Do Not Speak Ill of the Three Treasures
Honoring my life as an instrument of peacemaking. This is the Precept of Not Thinking Ill of the Three Treasures. · Zen Peacemaker
As awakened ones throughout all space and time have observed the Precept of Not Thinking Ill of the Three Treasures, so will I, with compassion, honor my life as an instrument of peacemaking. I will recognize myself and others as manifestations of the Oneness of Buddha, the Diversity of Dharma, and the harmony of Sangha. · Early version ZCLA Atonement
Refrain from reviling the Three Treasures. · Yasutani
Not defaming the Three Treasures. · Aitken
Experience the intimacy of things. Do not defile the Three Treasures. · Loori
Knowing how deeply our lives intertwine, we vow to not abuse the great truth of the Three Treasures. · Kaza
Not to do anything to diminish the Triple Treasure but to support and nurture it. · Norman Fischer
I undertake the item of training which consists in abstention from false views. Transforming ignorance into wisdom, I purify my mind. · Sangharakshita