The Ten Precepts

The Taoist precepts were adapted from Buddhism in the 5th century, CE. These precepts are about attaining liberation in order to benefit all living beings. These precepts are similar to other traditions and emphasize avoiding unwholesome actions such as lying, killing, stealing, sexual abuse and intoxication.

The Ten Precepts

1. Don’t harbor hatred or jealousy in your heart! Don’t give rise to dark thieving thoughts! Be reserved in speech and wary of transgressions! Keep your thoughts on the Divine Law!

2. Maintain a kind heart and do not kill! Have pity for and support all living beings! Be compassionate and loving! Broadly reach out to bring universal redemption to all!

3. Maintain purity and be withdrawing in your social interactions! Be neither lascivious nor thieving, but constantly harbor good thoughts! Always take from yourself to aid others!

4. Don’t set your mind on sex or give rise to passion! Be not licentious in your heart but remain pure and behave prudently! Make sure your actions are without blemish or stain!

5. Don’t utter bad words! Don’t use flowery and ornate language! Be straightforward within and without! Don’t commit excesses of speech!

6. Don’t take liquor! Moderate your behavior! Regulate and harmonize your energy and inner nature! Don’t let your spirit be diminished! Don’t commit any of the myriad evils!

7. Don’t be envious if others are better than yourself! Don’t contend for achievement and fame! Be retiring and modest in all things! Put yourself behind to serve the salvation of others!

8. Don’t criticize or debate the scriptures and teachings! Don’t revile or slander the saintly texts! Venerate the Divine Law with all your heart! Always act as if you were face to face with the gods!

9. Don’t create disturbance through verbal argumentation! Don’t criticize any believers, be they monks, nuns, male or female laity, or even heavenly beings! Remember, all censure and hate diminishes your spirit and energy!

10. Be equanimous and of whole heart in all of your actions! Make sure that all exchanges between humankind and the gods are proper and respectful!

If we can try to incorporate even a few of these precepts into our life, then we shall see a new world.

Namaste,
Mary Jane Kasliner - Feng Shui Master & Yoga Teacher
Body Space Alignment
www.fengshuiyoganj.com