What This Day Means
The Precepts & Vows Ceremony sets an intention to follow the Buddha’s teaching and to do the best we can. This is a ceremony commonly taken over and over again, as we practice to be the best version of ourselves we can be. There is no passing or failing. There’s just doing our best to practice. What this day does not mean… If you’re a Christian, Jew, Muslim, Jain, ashiest, Hindu, Baháʼí, Shinto or whatever, you can stay that. Buddhist practice knows no conflict with other faiths. What this day does mean is that you intend to learn more about and endeavor to practice Buddhist teachings of compassion, loving kindness, seeing and accepting things as they are, and working diligently to end suffering for yourself and for all.
Taking Refuge
All are welcome to take refuge in The Buddha, The Dharma, and The Sangha. This is kind a big deal. Taking this refuge means that you appreciate the Buddha for his lifetime of service to help alleviate suffering for all sentient beings. Taking this refuge means you like what you hear in the teachings that have been handed down from the day of Shakyamuni Buddha. And taking refuge in the Sangha means you’re okay with pursuing learning more with a group, your Sangha.
Taking Precepts
This means you agree to endeavor to follow the following:
THE TEN CARDINAL PRECEPTS
(also known as the ten precepts for lay people)
I resolve not to kill
— but to cherish all life.
I resolve not to take what is not given
— but to respect the things of others.
I resolve not to engage in improper sexuality
— but to lead a life of purity and self-restraint.
I resolve not to lie
— but to speak the truth.
I resolve not to cause others to take substances that impair the mind, nor to do so myself
— but to keep the mind clear.
I resolve not to speak of the faults of others
— but to be understanding and sympathetic.
I resolve not to praise myself and disparage others
— but to overcome my own shortcomings.
I resolve not to withhold spiritual or material aid
— but to give them freely where needed.
I resolve not to indulge in anger
— but to exercise restraint.
I resolve not to revile the three treasures (Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha)
— but to cherish and uphold them.
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