Ethical Guidelines

The Precepts are fundamental to Zen Buddhist practice. They help create a healthy and supportive environment for all. It is each person’s responsibility to follow and honor these Three Pure Precepts and Ten Grave Precepts:

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Three Pure Precepts:

• Refrain from all harmful acts.

• Practice all that is good.

• Purify your heart.

(This is the everlasting teaching of all the Buddhas).

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Ten Grave Precepts:

1. Affirm life - Do not kill: Not taking life, protecting all life, and avoiding harming living beings.

2. Be giving - Do not steal: Refraining from taking what is not freely given and respecting the property of others.

3. Honor the body - Do not misuse sexuality: Not acting out of lust, respecting oneself and others in relationships, and acting with respect.

4. Manifest truth - Do not lie: Refraining from false speech, speaking truthfully, and communicating honestly.

5. Proceed clearly - Do not cloud the mind: Refraining from consuming or trading in intoxicants (alcohol/drugs) that cause delusion or cloud the mind.

6. See the perfection - Do not speak of others' errors and faults: Avoiding gossip, slander, or criticizing members of the community.

7. Realize self and other as one - Do not elevate the self and blame others: Refraining from arrogance, false pride, and slandering others.

8. Give generously - Do not be withholding: Being generous with material goods and the Dharma, not being stingy or greedy.

9. Actualize harmony - Do not be angry: Cultivating compassion, understanding, and not harboring resentment or rage.

10. Experience the intimacy of things - Do not defile the Three Treasures: Respecting and supporting the Buddha (teacher/enlightenment), Dharma (teaching), and Sangha (community). 

11. *NOTE: These guidelines are not to be interpreted as mandatory requirements; rather, they are designed to promote respectful and mindful conduct. All practitioners at GTMC are highly encouraged to adhere to these principles.