The
First Mindfulness Training of the Order of interbeing
Aware of the suffering created by fanaticism and intolerance, we
are determined not to be idolatrous about or bound to any
doctrine, theory, or ideology, even Buddhist ones. Buddhist
teachings are guiding means to help us learn to look deeply and
to develop our understanding and compassion. They are not
doctrines to fight, kill, or die for.
The
Second Mindfulness Training of the Order of
Interbeing
Aware of the suffering created by attachment to views and wrong
perceptions, we are determined to avoid being narrow-minded and
bound to present views. We shall learn and practice
non-attachment from views in order to be open to others’
insights and experiences. We are aware that the knowledge we
presently possess is not changeless, absolute truth. Truth is
found in life, and we will observe life within and around us in
every moment, ready to learn throughout our lives.
The
Third Mindfulness Training of the Order of
Interbeing
Aware of the suffering brought about when we impose our views on
others, we are committed not to force others, even our children,
by any means whatsoever-such as authority, threat, money,
propaganda, or indoctrination-to adopt our views. We will
respect the right of others to be different and to choose what
to believe and how to decide. We will, however, help others
renounce fanaticism and narrowness through compassionate
dialogue.
The
Fourth Mindfulness Training of the Order of
Interbeing
Aware that looking deeply at the nature of suffering can help us
develop compassion and find ways out of suffering, we are
determined not to avoid or close our eyes before suffering. We
are committed to finding ways, including personal contact,
images, and sounds, to be with those who suffer, so we can
understand their situation deeply and help them transform their
suffering into compassion, peace, and joy.
The
Fifth Mindfulness Training of the Order of
Interbeing
Aware that true happiness is rooted in peace, solidity, freedom,
and compassion, and not in wealth or fame, we are determined not
to take as the aim of our life fame, profit, wealth, or sensual
pleasure, nor to accumulate wealth while millions are hungry and
dying. We are committed to living simply and sharing our time,
energy, and material resources with those in need. We will
practice mindful consuming, not using alcohol, drugs, or any
other products that bring toxins into our own and the collective
body and consciousness.
The
Sixth Mindfulness Training of the Order of Interbeing
Aware that anger blocks communication and creates suffering, we
are determined to take care of the energy of anger when it
arises and to recognize and transform the seeds of anger that
lie deep in our consciousness. When anger comes up, we are
determined not to do or say anything, but to practice mindful
breathing or mindful walking and acknowledge, embrace, and look
deeply into our anger. We will learn to look with the eyes of
compassion at those we think are the cause of our anger.
The
Seventh Mindfulness Training of the Order of
Interbeing
Aware that life is available only in the present moment and that
it is possible to live happily in the here and now, we are
committed to training ourselves to live deeply each moment of
daily life. We will try not to lose ourselves in dispersion or
be carried away by regrets about the past, worries about the
future, or craving, anger, or jealousy in the present. We will
practice mindful breathing to come back to what is happening in
the present moment. We are determined to learn the art of
mindful living by touching the wondrous, refreshing, and healing
elements that are inside and around us, and by nourishing seeds
of joy, peace, love, and understanding in ourselves, thus
facilitating the work of transformation and healing in our
consciousness.
The
Eighth Mindfulness Training of the Order of Interbeing
Aware that the lack of communication always brings separation
and suffering, we are committed to training ourselves in the
practice of compassionate listening and loving speech. We will
learn to listen deeply without judging or reacting and refrain
from uttering words that can create discord or cause the
community to break. We will make every effort to keep
communications open and to reconcile and resolve all conflicts,
however small.
The
Ninth Mindfulness Training of the Order of
Interbeing
Aware that words can create suffering or happiness, we are
committed to learning to speak truthfully and constructively,
using only words that inspire hope and confidence. We are
determined not to say untruthful things for the sake of personal
interest or to impress people, nor to utter words that might
cause division or hatred. We will not spread news that we do not
know to be certain nor criticize or condemn things of which we
are not sure. We will do our best to speak out about situations
of injustice, even when doing so may threaten our safety.
The
Tenth Mindfulness Training of the Order of Interbeing
Aware that the essence and aim of a Sangha is the practice of
understanding and compassion, we are determined not to use the
Buddhist community for personal gain or profit or transform our
community into a political instrument. A spiritual community
should, however, take a clear stand against oppression and
injustice and should strive to change the situation without
engaging in partisan conflicts.
The
Eleventh Mindfulness Training of the Order of
Interbeing
Aware that great violence and injustice have been done to our
environment and society, we are committed not to live with a
vocation that is harmful to humans and nature. We will do our
best to select a livelihood that helps realize our ideal of
understanding and compassion. Aware of global economic,
political and social realities, we will behave responsibly as
consumers and as citizens, not investing in companies that
deprive others of their chance to live.
The
Twelfth Mindfulness Training of the Order of Interbeing
Aware that much suffering is caused by war and conflict, we are
determined to cultivate nonviolence, understanding, and
compassion in our daily lives, to promote peace education,
mindful mediation, and reconciliation within families,
communities, nations, and in the world. We are determined not to
kill and not to let others kill. We will diligently practice
deep looking with our Sangha to discover better ways to protect
life and prevent war.
The
Thirteenth Mindfulness Training of the Order of
Interbeing
Aware of the suffering caused by exploitation, social injustice,
stealing, and oppression, we are committed to cultivating loving
kindness and learning ways to work for the well-being of people,
animals, plants, and minerals. We will practice generosity by
sharing our time, energy, and material resources with those who
are in need. We are determined not to steal and not to possess
anything that should belong to others. We will respect the
property of others, but will try to prevent others from
profiting from human suffering or the suffering of other beings.
The
Fourteenth Mindfulness Training of the Order of Interbeing
(For lay members): Aware that sexual relations motivated
by craving cannot dissipate the feeling of loneliness but will
create more suffering, frustration, and isolation, we are
determined not to engage in sexual relations without mutual
understanding, love, and a long-term commitment. In sexual
relations, we must be aware of future suffering that may be
caused. We know that to preserve the happiness of ourselves and
others, we must respect the rights and commitments of ourselves
and others. We will do everything in our power to protect
children from sexual abuse and to protect couples and families
from being broken by sexual misconduct. We will treat our bodies
with respect and preserve our vital energies (sexual, breath,
spirit) for the realization of our bodhisattva ideal. We will be
fully aware of the responsibility of bringing new lives into the
world, and will meditate on the world into which we are bringing
new beings.
(For monastic members): Aware that the aspiration of a
monk or a nun can only be realized when he or she wholly leaves
behind the bonds of worldly love, we are committed to practicing
chastity and to helping others protect themselves. We are aware
that loneliness and suffering cannot be alleviated by the coming
together of two bodies in a sexual relationship, but by the
practice of true understanding and compassion. We know that a
sexual relationship will destroy our life as a monk or a nun,
will prevent us from realizing our ideal of serving living
beings, and will harm others. We are determined not to suppress
or mistreat our body or to look upon our body as only an
instrument, but to learn to handle our body with respect. We are
determined to preserve vital energies (sexual, breath, spirit)
for the realization of our bodhisattva ideal.
