Sixteen Bodhisattva Precepts

 

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.

Virtue Ethics

 

 

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.)