Precepts

FIRST PRECEPT

I undertake the training to refrain from harming living beings. During this retreat, I undertake the intention to bring awareness to the ways in which my judgments, anger, fear, and self-centeredness may diminish and harm myself and others. I undertake the intention to cultivate compassion and care in my thoughts, words, and actions towards myself and others.

SECOND PRECEPT

I undertake the training to refrain from taking that which is not freely offered. During this retreat, I undertake the intention to bring awareness to the way I use resources and to cultivate a spirit of simplicity. Additionally, I will bring awareness to ways that I try to control my environment, manipulate situations to get my way, and put demands on the people around me. I undertake the intention to cultivate kindness and generosity and to allow those around me the safety of choice.

THIRD PRECEPT

I undertake the training to refrain from sexual misconduct. During this retreat, I undertake the intention to bring awareness to my sexual energy and to the ways an unwise relationship to this energy can cause suffering for others. I undertake the intention to cultivate responsibility and respect for my commitments and for the commitments of others.

FOURTH PRECEPT

I undertake the training to refrain from harsh and harmful speech. During this retreat, I undertake the intention to practice limited noble silence, bringing awareness to how much, and when, I choose to speak. To the best of my ability, I will refrain from engaging in idle chit-chat, gossip, arguing, and complaining. I undertake the intention to cultivate kind, truthful, timely speech, and deep listening.

FIFTH PRECEPT

I undertake the training to refrain from careless consumption of intoxicants. During this retreat, I undertake the intention to be mindful of my consumption (and overconsumption) of food, alcohol and other intoxicants, and entertainment. I will bring care to how much I engage with social media, listening to and reading the news, and watching television. I undertake the intention to cultivate a healthy diet, good physical health, and clarity of mind.