The Fourteen Precepts from Interbeing
Thich Nhat Hanh
Do not be idolatrous about or bound to any doctrine, theory, or
ideology, even Buddhist ones. Buddhist systems of thought are guiding
means; they are not absolute truth.
Do not think the knowledge you presently possess is changeless,
absolute truth. Avoid being narrow-minded and bound to present views.
Learn and practice nonattachment from views in order to be open to
receive others' viewpoints. Truth is found in life and not merely in
conceptual knowledge. Be ready to learn throughout your entire life and
to observe reality in yourself and in the world at all times.
Do not force others, including children, by any means whatsoever, to
adopt your views, whether by authority, threat, money, propaganda, or
even education. However, through compassionate dialogue, help others
renounce fanaticism and narrowness.
Do not avoid contact with suffering or close your eyes before
Suffering. Do not lose awareness of the existence of suffering in the
life of the world. Find ways to be with those who are suffering,
including personal contact, visits, images, and sounds. By such means,
awaken yourself and others to the reality of suffering in the world. Do
not accumulate wealth while millions are hungry. Do not take as the aim
of your life fame, profit, wealth, or sensual pleasure. Live simply and
share time, energy, and material resources with those who are in need.
Do not accumulate wealth while millions are hungry. Do not take as
the aim of your life fame, profit, wealth, or sensual pleasure. Live
simply and share time, energy, and material resources with those who are
in need.
Do not maintain anger or hatred. Learn to penetrate and transform
them when they are still seeds in your consciousness. As soon as they
arise, turn your attention to your breath in order to see and understand
the nature of your anger and hatred and the nature of the persons who
have caused your anger and hatred.
Do not lose yourself in dispersion and in your surroundings. Practice
mindful breathing to come back to what is happening in the present
moment. Be in touch with what is wondrous, refreshing and healing both
inside and around you. Plant seeds of joy, peace, and understanding in
yourself in order to facilitate the work of transformation in the depths
of your consciousness.
Do not utter words that can create discord and cause the community to
break. Make every effort to reconcile and resolve all conflicts however
small.
Do not say untruthful things for the sake of personal interest or to
impress people. Do not utter words that cause division and hatred. Do
not spread news that you do not know to be certain. Do not criticize or
condemn things of which you are not sure. Always speak truthfully and
constructively. Have the courage to speak out about situations of
injustice, even when doing so may threaten your own safety.
Do not use the Buddhist community for personal gain or profit, or
transform your community into a political party. A religious community,
however, should take a clear stand against oppression and injustice and
should strive to change the situation without engaging in partisan
conflicts.
Do not live with a vocation that is harmful to humans and nature. Do
not invest in companies that deprive others of their chance to live.
Select a vocation that helps realize your ideal of compassion.
Do not kill. Do not let others kill. Find whatever means possible to
protect life and prevent war.
Possess nothing that should belong to others. Respect the property
of others, but prevent others from profiting from human suffering or the
suffering of other species on Earth.
Do not mistreat your body. Learn to handle it with respect. Do not
look on your body as only an instrument. Preserve vital energies (sexual,
breath, spirit) for the realization of the Way. (For brothers and
sisters who are not monks and nuns:) Sexual expression should not take
place without love and a long term commitment. In sexual relationships,
be aware of future suffering that may be caused. To preserve the
happiness of others, respect the rights and commitments of others. Be
fully aware of the responsibility of bringing new lives into the world.
Meditate on the world into which you are bringing new beings.
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