Tha^y's 14 Precepts:
"Do
not be idolatrous about or bound to any doctrine, theory, or ideology,
even Buddhist ones. All systems of thought are guiding means; they are
not absolute truth.
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 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 by all means, including personal
contact and visits, images, sound. 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 you 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. As soon as anger and hatred arise, practice
the meditation on compassion in order to deeply understand the persons
who have caused anger and hatred. Learn to look at other beings with the
eyes of compassion.
Do
not lose yourself in dispersion and in your surroundings. Learn to practice
breathing in order to regain composure of body and mind, to practice mindfulness,
and to develop concentration and understanding.
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 diversion and hatred. Do not spread
news that you do not know to be certain. Do not criticize or condemn things
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.
Do
not use the Buddhist community for personal gain or profit, or transform
your community into a political party. A religious community should, however,
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 life. Select a vocation
which helps realize your ideal compassion.
Do
not kill. Do not let others kill. Find whatever means possible to protect
life and to prevent war.
Possess
nothing that should belong to others. Respect the property of others but
prevent others from enriching themselves from human suffering or the suffering
of other beings.
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. 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.
Do
not believe that I feel that I follow each and every of these precepts
perfectly. I know I fail in many ways. None of us can fully fulfil any
of these. However, I must work toward a goal. These are my goal. No words
can replace practice; only practice can make the words.
"The finger pointing at the moon is not the moon."