Ethics Statement

We have committed ourselves to living an ethical life. Central to this vow is our effort to provide a safe haven in which we and our students may explore our true nature and create a world that expresses a joyful presence, kindness to all beings, and the deep spiritual peace that is the hallmark of Zen Buddhism. The 16 Bodhisattva Precepts* are the basic principle of our approach to ethics.

The Three Refuges

The Three Pure Precepts

The Ten Prohibitory Precepts

Three Refuges

I take refuge in Buddha

before all beings,
immersing body and mind
deeply in the Way,
awakening true mind.

I take refuge in Dharma

before all beings,
entering deeply the merciful ocean
of Buddha's Way.

I take refuge in Sangha

before all beings,
bringing harmony to everyone,
free from hindrance.

Three Pure Precepts

I vow to refrain from all evil.
I vow to make every effort to live in enlightenment.
I vow to live and be lived for the benefit of all beings.

Ten PROHIBITORY Precepts

I vow not to kill.
I vow not to take what is not given.
I vow not to misuse sexuality.
I vow to refrain from false speech.
I vow to refrain from intoxicants.
I vow not to slander.
I vow not to praise self at the expense of others.
I vow not to be avaricious.
I vow not to harbor ill will.
I vow not to disparage the Three Treasures.

*It is our sincere intention to realign our lives continually in accord with these precepts.