1. Do not be idolatrous or bound to
any doctrine, theory, or ideology. All systems of thought are guiding means;
they are not absolute truth.
2. Do not think that the knowledge
you presently possess is changeless, absolute truth. Avoid being narrow-minded
and bound to present views. Learn and practice non-attachment from views in
order to be open to receive other’s 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.
3. 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.
4. 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, by all means, including personal contact and visits, images, and
sound. By such means, awaken yourself and others to the reality of suffering in
the world.
5. 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.
6. Do not maintain anger or hatred.
Learn to penetrate and transform them while they are still seeds in your
consciousness. As soon as anger or hatred arises, turn your attention to your
breathing in order to see and understand the nature of your anger or hatred and
the nature of the persons who have caused your anger or hatred.
7. Do not lose yourself in dispersion
and in your surroundings. Practice mindful breathing in order 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 yourself. Plant the seeds of
joy, peace, and understanding in yourself in order to facilitate the work of
transformation in the depths of your consciousness.
8. 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.
9. 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 that you are not sure of. Always
speak truthfully and constructively. Have the courage to speak out about
situations of injustice, even when doing so may threaten your own safety.
10. Do not use the religious
community for personal gain or profit, or transform your community into a
political party. A religious community should, however, take a clear stand
agains oppression and injustice, and should strive to change the situation
without engaging in partisan conflicts.
11. 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.
12. Do not kill. Do not let others
kill. Find whatever means possible to protect life and prevent war.
13. Possess nothing that should
belong to others. Respect the property of others but prevent others from
enriching themselves from human suffering or the sufferings of other beings.
14. Do not mistreat your body. Learn
to handle it with respect. Do not look on your body as only an instrument.
Preserve vital energies for the realization of the Way. Sexual expression
should not happen without love and 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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