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Bodhicari Precepts

Posted: Sat Oct 06, 2012 11:47 pm
by Cittasanto
Hi All,
The Buddhist Group of Kendal (Theravada) although famous for their eight precepts with right livelihood as the eighth (here the ninth) also have a twelve precept version for “practitioners of the Buddha Dhamma who have attainment of enlightenment as their goal”. I am wondering what people think of these?
The Bodhicari Precepts wrote:1) Panatipata veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the Precept to refrain from killing and injuring living things

2) Adinnadana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the Precept to refrain from taking that which is not given

3) Kamesu micchacara veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the Precept to refrain from sexual misconduct and excessive sensuality

4) Musavada veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the Precept to refrain from false and harmful speech

5) Pisuna vaca veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the Precept to refrain from backbiting

6) Pharusa vaca veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the Precept to refrain from using harsh or abusive speech

7) Samphappalapa veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the Precept to refrain from useless or meaningless conversation

8) Sura – meraya – majja pamadatthana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the Precept to refrain from drink and drugs which fuddle the mind and reduce mindfulness

9) Micchajiva veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the Precept to refrain from wrong means of livelihood

10) Sabba sattesu metta sahagatena cetasa viharana sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the Precept to live every moment with loving-kindness to all living beings

11) Yavajivam aham ratanattayam na niggahissami tatheva tam samadarena garukaram karissamiti sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the Precept not to revile the Three Treasures [the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha] but to cherish and uphold them

12) Karunopaya kosalla pariggahitanam dasaparaminam paripurana sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the Precept to practise the Ten Perfections with compassion and skill

Imani dvadasa sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake these twelve Precepts with full sincerity
For myself I like the first nine.
10 - as a precept seams off with the wording. other places like the 10 wholesome actions have far better wording to my mind "He bears no ill will and is not corrupt in the resolves of his heart." using abyāpanna-citto "mind of benevolence" which seams to cover more and be a key aspect of the first four seams better, for me anyway. but no actual problem with the precept just preference :)

11 - seams unneccesary as one takes the refuges anyway, but could be handy as a more secure reminder?

12 - makes 10 useless as metta is included and for me to vague for a precept.

The other extras included in the first 9 that are not in the five precepts are more useful.

but any thoughts on this list (practical, or otherwise)? have you tried these precepts before or their variant the Ajivatthamaka Sila mentioned on occasion.
As it is early morning for me I will come back after a rest to respond further just some initial things that jumped out at me when reading this again.

Re: Bodhicari Precepts

Posted: Sun Oct 07, 2012 12:04 am
by Khalil Bodhi
Cittasanto,

I have often used their formulation as I find it a good way to bear in min the paramis. I also at times use Ven. Gunaratana's 8-lifetime precepts. For myself having practice with both of these formulations for ling period of time I have definitely found them to be of benefit. Mettaya! :anjali:

Re: Bodhicari Precepts

Posted: Sun Oct 07, 2012 12:16 am
by bodom
There very similar to the 10 precepts in Zen:
Not to intentionally or maliciously kill, but to cherish all life.
Not to steal, but to respect the possessions and lifetime of others.
Not to misuse sexual energy, but to be honest and respectful in mind and action.
Not to intentionally deceive, but to speak the truth.
Not to misuse drugs or alcohol, but to keep the mind clear.
Not to speak of others’ faults, but to be understanding and sympathetic.
Not to praise oneself by criticizing others, but to overcome one’s own shortcomings.
Not to withhold spiritual or material aid, but to give it freely when needed.
Not to give vent to anger, but to seek its source.
Not to speak ill of the Three Treasures, but to cherish and uphold them.


http://www.jizo-an.org/zen_precepts.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

:anjali:

Re: Bodhicari Precepts

Posted: Sat Oct 27, 2012 9:04 am
by Alobha
Cittasanto wrote: For myself I like the first nine.

12 - makes 10 useless as metta is included and for me to vague for a precept.
I may give them a try. I do like the first nine, too. However, I can see the intention behind 10-12 in recollecting the importance of training the mind and watching what it does.

As for 12: I don't think that hiding a 10point-list in a list is helping a lot with determination.
"I undertake the Precept to practise the Ten Perfections with compassion and skill" <-- I find this rather less useful unless you also take the time to recollect what the ten perfections are. It might be more useful to insert the ten perfections right away. So I too find it too vague.

Overall, It's a pretty neat new spin on precepts though! :smile: