Precepts

Question 1

1) Do not kill

Answer 1

All life is sacred

Question 2

2) Do not steal

Answer 2

The second precept deals with taking things that are not given. This is more that just not stealing. It means not coveting things in the material, psychological, or in the spiritual realms. Desire stems from a feeling of incompleteness. This precept teaches us to accept ourselves wholly and to make this total acceptance is to become complete, to attain the Buddha state.”
- Zen Master Wu Bong (Jacob Perl

Question 3

3) Do not covet

Answer 3

Accepting what you have and where you are.

Question 4

4) Do not say that which is untrue

Answer 4

No lies. No half truths. Be honest in our relationships.

“Being mindful of suffering caused by careless or malicious speech, we are determined to use words to heal the wounds of misunderstanding, anger, hate, and fear.”
- The Five Wonderful Precepts - Blue Iris Sangha

Question 5

5) Do not sell the wine of delusion

Answer 5

Don’t distract onself with intoxicants. Alcohol, TV, etc

But also don’t peddle in intoxicants. Even, especially, in the mystic or benefit of zen

“Aware of the suffering caused by unmindful consumption, I vow to cultivate good health, both physical and mental, for myself, my family, and my society by practicing mindful eating, drinking, and consuming. I vow to ingest only items that preserve peace, well-being and joy in my body, in my consciousness, and in the collective body and consciousness of my family and society. I am determined not to use alcohol or any other intoxicants, or to ingest foods or other items that contain toxins, such as certain T.V. programs, magazines, books, films and conversations. I am aware that to damage my body and my consciousness with these poisons is to betray my ancestors, my parents, my society, and future generations. I will work to transform violence, fear, anger, and confusion by practicing a diet for myself and for society. I understand that a proper diet is crucial for self-transformation, and for the transformation of society.”

Question 6

6) do not speak against others

Answer 6

Don’t defame, lie, bad mouth

Question 7

7) don’t be proud of yourself

Answer 7

And don’t devalue others

Question 8

8) don’t be mean in giving either dharma or wealth

Answer 8

Be oh generous spirit

Question 9

9) Do not be angry

Answer 9

Easier said than done. But thoughts and actions are not one. Accepting the former and working through it rather than resisting.

Question 10

10) don’t defame the three jewels

Answer 10

Buddha, dharma and sangha

Buddha as example

Dharma as teaching

Sangha as more learned members of the community