What are the precepts?

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All Beings are Buddha

There is a ritual in Zen Buddhism for entering the Buddha Way. It consists of making formless repentance, of taking refuge in the Triple Treasure, and of vowing to practice the Three Collective Pure Precepts and the Ten Prohibitory Precepts. This ritual is based on the idea of repentance, which means, in Buddhism, perfect openness of heart. If we open ourselves completely, consciously or unconsciously we are ready to listen to the voiceless voice of the universe.

First we make repentance, which allows us to listen to the voice of the universe, then we take refuge in the Triple Treasure (or three refuges). If we open our hearts, next we have to manifest our lives in the realm of the universe, because our whole bodies and minds are embraced by the universe. There is no other way. So the Triple Treasure is our goal in life. When we realize our existence in the realm of the universe, then naturally we can see this goal. The Three Collective Pure Precepts are the way to live in the profound aspiration to help all sentient beings. The Ten Prohibitory Precepts are the teachings to follow in order to throw ourselves into the universe by putting aside the assertiveness of the ego. All we have to do is carry on the continuity of this practice forever, day by day, regardless of whether we feel the voice of the universe or not.

The entrance to the Buddha Way is signified by three points: first, by the realization of the truth that all beings are buddha; second, by the profound and steadfast aspiration for living our lives with all beings in peace and harmony in the light of the Buddha; and third, by helping all beings. To enter the Buddha Way is to see and create the opportunity by which we can realize these three important points.

Returning to Silence - Zen Practice in Everyday Life Dainin Katagiri



The receiving of the precepts reflects a process and a commitment to practice.

The ceremony includes a ritual of atonement and recognition of past transgressions, then includes taking or seeking refuge in the Three Treasures of Buddhism, and then the acceptance of the Three Pure Precepts and the Ten Grave Precepts.

I have included a list of these below, including some of the chants that are performed as a common part of various ceremonies.

Gatha of Atonement

 All the evil karma
Committed by me since of old
Because of my beginningless greed, anger and ignorance
Born of my body, mouth and thought
Now I atone for it all.

The Three Treasures

The Three Pure Precepts

The Ten Grave Precepts
  1. Not killing
  2. Not stealing
  3. Not being greedy
  4. Not telling Lies
  5. Not being intoxicated
  6. Not talking about others' faults and errors
  7. Not elevating oneself and putting down others
  8. Not being stingy
  9. Not being angry
  10. Not slandering the Three Treasures
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The Bohdisattva Vows

Sentient beings are numberless
I vow to save them all.
Desires are inexhaustible
I vow to put an end to them.
The dharmas are boundless
I vow to master them.
The buddha way is unsurpassable
I vow to attain it.

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