mindfulness

02:31 pm - The Fourteen Precepts of Engaged Buddhism

By Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh from the book 'Interbeing'



"1. 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.



2. 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.



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 narrow-mindedness.



4. Do not avoid 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.



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 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 hatred.



7. 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.



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 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.



10. 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.



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 realise 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 profiting from human suffering or the suffering of other species on Earth.



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 (sexual, breath, spirit) for the realisation of the Way. (For brothers and sisters who are not monks and nuns:) Sexual expression should not take place without love and commitment. In sexual relations, 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."



From the book 'Interbeing': Fourteen Guidelines for Engaged Buddhism, revised edition: Oct. l993 by Thich Nhat Hanh, published by Parallax Press, Berkeley, California



"Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh is a Buddhist monk, poet, peace activist, and the author of Being Peace, The Miracle of Mindfulness, and many other books. He lives in a monastic community in south-western France called Plum Village, where he teaches, writes, gardens, and works to help refugees world-wide. He conducts retreats throughout the world on the art of mindful living, and has conducted special retreats for American Vietnam War veterans, psychotherapists, artists, environmental activists and children."



This was sourced from http://buddhism.kalachakranet.org/resources/14_precepts.html

Current Mood: Agitated

Current Music: 'Amelie' soundtrack

From: bast2 Date: August 11th, 2004 09:41 pm (UTC) (Link) except for number 10, and the "breathing" part of no. 7, all this is basically what jesus was reported as saying. Reply ) ( Thread From: mindfulness Date: August 11th, 2004 09:46 pm (UTC) (Link) Interesting. I was raised an aethiest so am not very familiar with Christianity, but always felt what I knew of Jesus was that he was an acitivist steeped in compassion. Reply ) ( Parent ) ( Thread From: beginnermind Date: August 11th, 2004 09:47 pm (UTC) (Link) 10. 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.



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 narrow-mindedness.



Doesn't 3, which I sort of like on first look, seem to contradict 10, which scares me a little at first glance, and even seems to invite contradiction within itself?



This sect of Zen still confuses me. Reply ) ( Thread From: mindfulness Date: August 11th, 2004 09:58 pm (UTC) (Link) Compassionate dialogue and forced education seem quite different to me, but of course execution would require finesse. Is this what seems contradictory? I am not sure how "take a clear stand" could contradict "force"ing others "to adopt your views".



Also, what scares you about 10? I am feeling very mentally blind today and don't want to assume that I know what you mean.



(Oh, and am I discussing that chapter of the Dhammapada with you in another post? I can't keep track of nicknames. I'll respond soon I hope.) Reply ) ( Parent ) ( Thread From: beginnermind Date: August 11th, 2004 10:14 pm (UTC) (Link) I'm not really sure...I've just found engaged Buddhism, if I understand the basic idea, not to be my thing, I guess. I think it invites distractions which would terminally yank me out of actual practice. Some people who like Thich Naht Hanh have seemed to me to be the same people who would venerate self-immolating monks, and this seems clearly off the tracks to me.



What it boils down to, I guess, is that I just want a Buddhism that focuses on zazen and guides practice to grow in the proper direction, keeps the refuge open, and trusts in the people it changes. Anything beyond that just worries me, period.:)



I posted some of Juan Mascaro's translation a while back, was that you? No worries, I just figured you didn't have anything to say.:) Reply ) ( Parent ) ( Thread From: beginnermind Date: August 11th, 2004 11:00 pm (UTC) (Link) I'm gonna take a run at this again, because I'm still thinking about it.



In order for the religious community to take a stand against anyone, the religious community must have a consensus, whether it's an actual consensus or one supplied from an authority, and in either case, members of the community...or, more important to my mind, potential members of the community...must conform, and be persuaded quite firmly to join the consensus in order for the religious community to take a stand against whatever it is they're standing against, right or wrong. Reply ) ( Parent ) ( Thread From: mindfulness Date: August 12th, 2004 10:16 pm (UTC) (Link) Yes, I was discussing the differing translations with you. I've got some thoughts on the topic, but my difficulty with social interaction sometimes means I am neglectful. I'd like to get back to it.



As for the distractions of engaged Buddhism, I can see how that would be an issue, and I know social concerns have at times distracted me from mindfulness and growth. I do find the idea of self immolation quite a distraction from mindfulness and growth.



As for community action and consensus - your concerns are true. I've seen very odd forms of 'consensus' in action at times. As for an ideal situation I'd like to think that each time an issue arose different members of a community could come together on that issue if it concerned them, or not if it didn't. I find the idea of anyone being forced to conform disturbing. Diversity is strength to me as it implies flexibility in a chaotic world. Reply ) ( Parent ) ( Thread From: mai_neh Date: August 12th, 2004 08:20 am (UTC) (Link) I don't get any aspect of Zen that revolves around lists of forbidden fruit. Nearly all of these 14 points start with "Do Not". They are like a list of Buddhist Commandments, handed down to the feeble faithful who know not how to think for themselves. Reply ) ( Parent ) ( Thread From: beginnermind Date: August 12th, 2004 03:44 pm (UTC) (Link) I don't mind some precepts...whether it's ten or five, they usually seem to make a kind of sense. They should relate directly to the eightfold path, though, and help illuminate it around commonly wondered-about issues.



They're like..."Hmm...right view...what the hell does that mean? Let's watch the Bodhisattva and see what she does in her natural environment. Crikey, there's your right action right there, see! She's not boffing that very buff but very confused disciple who wants to be her willing sex slave! I guess that'd be taking advantage, a misuse of sexuality somehow. So, none of that, let's write that down! Let's see what she does next..." Probably relates better to right action, but whatever, let's not get dualistic now.*grin*



So, not commandments, just general cases that sound like good case studies of how to follow the eightfold path: "Things a Bodhisattva Won't Generally Do for 1000, Alex." An interesting thing about the precepts, I find, is that part of keeping them is always also expressed as knowing when to break them. I think they should be precepts you take upon yourself, though, not, like these, ones that encourage you to push action or inaction upon others, willing or not.



When I formally take any precepts, if I ever do, I don't think I'll be taking THESE precepts, though. However popular they are, I just don't like 'em. Reply ) ( Parent ) ( Thread From: mindfulness Date: August 12th, 2004 09:47 pm (UTC) (Link) Thanks for writing this - you put it better than I could, despite our different approach to these precepts. Reply ) ( Parent ) ( Thread From: mindfulness Date: August 12th, 2004 09:48 pm (UTC) (Link) Are you implying anyone who follows precepts are feeble? Reply ) ( Parent ) ( Thread From: mai_neh Date: August 13th, 2004 02:51 am (UTC) (Link) Yup. That doesn't mean they are feeble, but that's an accurate interpretation of my text.



Negative precepts are another form of materialism, building sand castles out of words and defending them from the waves of reality. Reply ) ( Parent ) ( Thread From: mindfulness Date: August 13th, 2004 09:14 am (UTC) (Link) Now if they were reworded to be affirmative rather than negative, and this is possible, would you still be opposed to them on the same grounds? I could imagine so. They would sound like 'should' statements.



Also, although this is perhaps poor logic, "Do not be idolatrous about or bound to any doctrine, theory, or ideology, even Buddhist ones..." I think gives us both a lot of slack here. And then there's that whole 'finger pointing at the moon" metaphor.



Nonetheless, I did like your sandcastle metaphor. I didn't post these precepts because I held them strongly, while they do reflect my ideals somewhat, but rather wanted to share them and explore the issues they raised with people. I am interested in the realm between idealism and pragmatism.



Thanks for your words. They've made me aware of the attachment I feel.



(BTW I like your icon. It's very happy.) Reply ) ( Parent ) ( Thread From: mai_neh Date: August 13th, 2004 01:45 pm (UTC) (Link) Ah, yes, when Buddhists use the "should" word I shudder ;-)



For what its worth, I did read the precepts you posted, so they did spark some reflection, despite my negative reaction to their form. I learn just as much from those with whom I disagree, as from those with whom I agree. Maybe I even learn more from disagreement, because I try to take the other side's point of view seriously. Reply ) ( Parent ) ( Thread From: myopicdystopian Date: August 11th, 2004 10:47 pm (UTC) memorable. (Link) Could we have this post listed as a "Memory" in the archive?



This is excellent, and I'll be sure to bookmark it.

Thanks! =) Reply ) ( Thread From: deaca Date: August 12th, 2004 12:40 am (UTC) Re: memorable. (Link) i definately second the "memory" idea. this was wonderful to read. Reply ) ( Parent ) ( Thread From: sweetandlovely Date: August 12th, 2004 05:05 am (UTC) Re: memorable. (Link) that is a fine idea. Reply ) ( Parent ) ( Thread From: mindfulness Date: August 12th, 2004 09:51 pm (UTC) Re: memorable. (Link) I'm glad all you enjoyed it. To add something to memories I think requres input of the moderator of the community and currently there is none.



(Also I hope this one response will go to all in this thread.) Reply ) ( Parent ) ( Thread From: srsexypants Date: August 11th, 2004 11:09 pm (UTC) Hmmm... (Link) 12. Do not kill. Do not let others kill. Find whatever means possible to protect life and prevent war.



I find this one especially interesting. I don't think I would ever kill anyone. I move bugs outside rather than kill them. But how can you protect life and stop others from killing without entering some type of conflict with them. Words may act too slowly and actions may merely breed further aversion in the minds of those you seek to stop. I wonder where the happy medium may be. If there is one. Do you have any thoughts? Reply ) ( Thread From: fallibledragon Date: August 12th, 2004 01:26 am (UTC) Re: Hmmm... (Link)



There is peaceful negotiation, of course -- seeing the other side of the argument, and trying to reach a compromise. Sometimes, when this is very difficult, mediators are required, but it can and has been done, even in some of the world's most hostile areas.



If it comes down to a physical conflict, there is always



As always, prevention is better than cure, though. Discuss, understand, meet halfway; whatever is required. As said above, Find whatever means possible to protect life and prevent war. There are many peaceful ways to prevent death.There is peaceful negotiation, of course -- seeing the other side of the argument, and trying to reach a compromise. Sometimes, when this is very difficult, mediators are required, but it can and has been done, even in some of the world's most hostile areas.If it comes down to a physical conflict, there is always Non-violent interposition . This, also, has been successful in some of the world's most hostile conflicts.As always, prevention is better than cure, though. Discuss, understand, meet halfway; whatever is required. As said above, Find whatever means possible to protect life and prevent war. Reply ) ( Parent ) ( Thread From: mindfulness Date: August 12th, 2004 09:57 pm (UTC) Re: Hmmm... (Link) Thanks for responding to this, I felt at a loss as to how to put togther thoughts on the topic. That article that you linked to is fascinating, so thanks again.A very good read. Reply ) ( Parent ) ( Thread From: oboegoddess Date: August 12th, 2004 08:46 am (UTC) (Link) I also liked these a lot. The only one I strongly disagree with is number 14. I personally don't see anything wrong with sexuality outside of "love and commitment", at least the kind of love and commitment that it seemed to me was implied by that statement. I feel that as long as you love yourself enough to take care of your body, and everyone involved consents to the sexual acts, there is nothing wrong with "casual" sex.



Reply ) ( Thread From: bhagwan Date: August 12th, 2004 11:17 am (UTC) (Link) We're so used to sexual judgement in our culture, that I think its easy to overreact to prudish-sounding monks. I think its a fair observation that the expression of sexuality can be dangerous -- not in the sense that it will cause harm, but in the sense that when things go wrong, the potential for harm is very great. The degree of power in sexuality demands a proportionate degree of mindfullness.



Crude analogy: a "Russian Roulette" pistol causes no harm 5 times out of 6. Reply ) ( Parent ) ( Thread From: mindfulness Date: August 12th, 2004 10:04 pm (UTC) (Link) I do remember one monk saying that even consensual acts can be damaging to the mind. A person who has been abused for example, may love their abuser and seek to continue abusive relationships. I know there are a lot more cogent arguments supporting the precept but I don't feel up to presenting them. Reply ) ( Parent ) ( Thread