The Ten Grave Precepts

(Source: ZCLA Precepts & Jukai Study Workbook 2008)

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