The Sixteen Bodhisattva Precepts
The Sixteen Bodhisattva Precepts are an essential part of Zen practice. They are taken in ordinations and recited at other ceremonies such as weddings and funerals, as well as every month in the renewal of vows during Full Moon Ceremonies. One translation commonly used at Zen Center is given below.
Three Refuges
I take refuge in Buddha
before all beings,
immersing body and mind
deeply in the Way,
awakening true mind.
I take refuge in Dharma
before all beings,
entering deeply the merciful ocean
of Buddha's Way.
I take refuge in Sangha
before all beings,
bringing harmony to everyone,
free from hindrance.
Three Pure Precepts
I vow to refrain from all evil.
I vow to make every effort to live in enlightenment.
I vow to live and be lived for the benefit of all beings.
Ten Grave Precepts
I vow not to kill.
I vow not to take what is not given.
I vow not to misuse sexuality.
I vow to refrain from false speech.
I vow to refrain from intoxicants.
I vow not to slander.
I vow not to praise self at the expense of others.
I vow not to be avaricious.
I vow not to harbor ill will.
I vow not to disparage the Three Treasures.
Yamas and Niyamas of Hinduism
Yamas: Moral Observances and Restraints
1. Nonviolence, Not Harming, Not Killing Ahimsa
2. Truthfulness, Not Lying, Not Gossiping, Good Speech Satya
3. Not Stealing, Paying Debts, Not Gambling, Keeping Promises, Not Wasting Asteya
4. Divine Conduct, Immersed in Divinity, Celibacy, Following Marriage Vows Brahmacharya
5. Patience, Restraining Intolerance, Don't Argue, Slow Down Kahama
6. Steadfastness, Persistence, Perseverance, Industriousness Dhriti
7. Compassion, Kindness, Helpfulness Daya
8. Honest, Law Abiding, Not Cheating, Fair Arjava
9. Moderation, Proper Eating, Simplicity, Not Greedy Mithara and Aparigraha
10. Purity, Cleanliness, Proper Language, Keep Good Company Saucha
Niyamas: Spiritual Practices, Religious Observances, Values
1. Remorse, Humility, Apologize, Acknowledge Wrongdoing, Correct Your Faults Hri
2. Contentment, Serenity, Gratitude, Simplicity, Following Spiritual Values Santosha
3. Giving, Charity, Liberality, Volunteer, Support Worthwhile and Spiritual Causes Dana
4. Faith Astikya
5. Worship, Surrender to God, Love of God Ishvara Pujana
6. Scriptural Listening Sidhanta Shravana
7. Cognition, Self-Study, Meditation, Seek Knowledge, Follow Guru Mati and Svadhyaya
8. Sacred Vows Vrata
9. Recitation Japa
10. Austerity, Fervor, Effort, Work, Energy Tapas
- Yamas and Niyamas
From the Indian scriptures, The Upanishads: Shandilya and the Varuha.
From 600-100 BCE
Hinduism's Code of Conduct
See also Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra, Circa 2nd Century CE
(Yoga Sutra, Verses 2:30 – 2:34.)
