Fourteen Precepts of Engaged Buddhism According to The Zen Master

Fourteen Precepts of Engaged Buddhism According to The Zen Master

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There are fourteen precepts of Engaged Buddhism according to the venerable Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. Following these teachings makes it very easy to follow the word of this Zen master. These precepts provide you with a guide for living a mindful life.



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Fourteen Precepts of Engaged Buddhism According to The Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh’s

  1. Do not be idolatrous about or bound to any doctrine, theory, or ideology, even Buddhist ones. Buddhist systems of thought are guiding means; they are not absolute truth.
  2. Do not think the knowledge you presently possess is changeless, absolute truth. Avoid being narrow-minded and bound to present views. Learn and practice nonattachment from views to be open to receiving others’ viewpoints. Truth is found in life and not merely in conceptual knowledge. Be ready to learn throughout your entire life and to observe reality in yourself and the world at all times.
  3. Do not force others, including children, by any means whatsoever, to adopt your views, whether by authority, threat, money, propaganda, or even education. However, through compassionate dialogue, help others renounce fanaticism and narrow-mindedness.
  4. Do not avoid suffering or close your eyes before suffering. Do not lose awareness of the existence of suffering in the life of the world. Find ways to be with those who are suffering, including personal contact, visits, images, and sounds. By such means, awaken yourself and others to the reality of suffering in the world.
  5. Do not accumulate wealth while millions are hungry. Do not take as the aim of your life fame, profit, wealth, or sensual pleasure. Live simply and share time, energy, and material resources with those who are in need.
  6. Do not maintain anger or hatred. Learn to penetrate and transform them when they are still seeds in your consciousness. As soon as they arise, turn your attention to your breath to see and understand the nature of your hatred.
  7. Do not lose yourself in dispersion and your surroundings. Practice mindful breathing to come back to what is happening in the present moment. Be in touch with what is wondrous, refreshing, and healing both inside and around you. Plant seeds of joy, peace, and understanding in yourself to facilitate the work of transformation in the depths of your consciousness.
  8. Do not utter words that can create discord and cause the community to break. Make every effort to reconcile and resolve all conflicts, however small.
  9. Do not say untruthful things for the sake of personal interest or to impress people. Do not utter words that cause division and hatred. And, do not spread the news that you do not know to be certain. Do not criticize or condemn things of which you are not sure. Always speak truthfully and constructively. Have the courage to speak out about situations of injustice, even when doing so may threaten your safety.
  10. Do not use the Buddhist community for personal gain or profit, or transform your community into a political party. A religious community, however, should take a clear stand against oppression and injustice and should strive to change the situation without engaging in partisan conflicts.
  11. Do not live with a vocation that is harmful to humans and nature. Do not invest in companies that deprive others of their chance to live. Select a vocation that helps release your ideal of compassion.
  12. Do not kill. Do not let others kill. Find whatever means possible to protect life and prevent war.
  13. Possess nothing that should belong to others. Respect the property of others, but prevent others from profiting from human suffering or the suffering of other species on Earth. 
  14. Do not mistreat your body. Learn to handle it with respect. Do not look at your body as only an instrument. Preserve vital energies (sexual, breath, spirit) for the realization of the Way. (Thich Nhat Hanh, 2011).

Engaged Buddhism means you are nonviolent with each action you take, but it means to take action. Meditate; it is a peaceful act of understanding who you are.

Mindfulness According to The Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh’s

Mindfulness is Thich Nhat Hanh’s precept for living. It is the core of all his teachings. You use your mindfulness and apply it to all your behaviors and actions.

“If you do not know how to take care of yourself, and the violence in you, then you will not be able to take care of others. You must have love and patience before you can truly listen to your partner or child. If you are irritated, you cannot listen. You have to know how to breathe mindfully, embrace your irritation and transform it. Offer ONLY understanding and compassion to your partner or child. – This is the true practice of love” (From Creating True Peace.)

Peace is the root of Buddhism and the direct aim of Engaged Buddhism. Respect, kindness, and compassion are all elements you must use in your daily life to follow an engaged path. Using these teachings will bring you to nonviolence and the way to socialize with others to help them be peaceful and engaged.

FAQs

Who Is the Zen Master?

Thich Nhat Hanh

Mindfulness According to The Zen Master?

Mindfulness is Thich Nhat Hanh’s precept for living. It is the core of all his teachings. You use your mindfulness and apply it to all your behaviors and actions.

Did Vietnamese Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh Pass Away?

Vietnamese Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh—a world-renowned spiritual leader, author, poet, and peace activist—died on Saturday. He was 95.

  • Professions: monk, teacher
  • Date of death: 22nd January 2022
  • Nationality: Vietnam

Has Thich Nhat Hanh been cremated?

According to his wishes, The Zen Master Nhat Hanh will be cremated and his ashes will be scattered at Plum Village centers and monasteries around the world.



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