Ring the bells that still can ring.
Forget your perfect offering.
There is a crack in everything.
That’s how the light gets in. Leonard Cohen
The Five lay precepts are vows taken by those who wish to strengthen their commitment to a spiritual practice. They are universal attributes of an awakening being, a Bodhisattva. Please don’t be intimidated by these. They are meant to be a guide our lives. One may ask why we should take these precepts at all, since they may seem impossible to keep. They are not impossible. When we take these vows we are giving a gift to all beings including ourself. The gift we are giving is the freedom from fear in those around us. We create an intention (to keep these precepts) and with that intention is a cause carrying some momentum which produces an effect. Our thoughts, words and actions all carry with them momentum (karma if you like). Our intentions are always made in the present moment (is there any other?) and therefore our vow and the results of this intention are all occurring right here/right now. There is no other place to look for results than in this present moment. So what would stop us from making this vow right here and right now?
1. I undertake the precept to refrain from killing
I undertake the precept to refrain from killing or harming living creatures.
I shall endeavor to protect and take care of all living creatures
“If a person does not harm any living being…and does not kill or cause others to kill that person is a true spiritual practitioner. The Dhammapada
2. I undertake the precept to refrain from taking what is not offered.
“Aware of the suffering caused by exploitation, social injustice, stealing, and oppression,
I am committed to cultivating loving kindness and learning ways to work for the well-being of people, animals, plants, and minerals. I will 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.”
3. I undertake the precept to refrain from sexual misconduct.
I undertake the precept to refrain from sexual activity that causes harm to myself or others.
“Aware of the suffering caused by sexual misconduct, I vow to cultivate my 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 long-term commitment. To preserve the happiness of myself and others, I am determined to respect my commitments and the commitments of others. The Five Wonderful Precepts. By Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh.
4. I undertake the precept to refrain from speaking what is not true.
I undertake the precept to refrain from incorrect speech, harsh speech,
lying, gossiping, slander, divisive speech and spreading false rumors.
Silence in precious, I will not gossip or engage in frivolous conversations.
“Aware of the suffering caused by unmindful speech and the inability to listen to others,
I am committed to cultivating 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 am determined to speak truthfully, with words that inspire
self-confidence, joy, and hope. I will not spread news that I do not know to be certain
and will not 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 family or the community to break. I am determined to make all efforts to reconcile and resolve all conflicts.” The Five Wonderful Precepts – Blue Iris Sangha
5. I undertake the precept to refrain using intoxicants that cloud the mind and lead to heedlessness.
I will exercise proper care of my body and mind. I will live from a place of clarity of mind and consciousness.
“I undertake the precept to refrain from intoxicating drinks and drugs which lead to carelessness. Being mindful of suffering caused by taking poisons into our bodies and minds, we are determined to take into our bodies and mind only those things that nourish awareness, life, and love”. The Five Wonderful Precepts
May you be well happy and peaceful. Floyd
