The 5 Precepts

I vow to refrain from killing. I shall not kill, cause others to kill, or approve of anyone killing sentient beings. I regret, censure, reject, and abandon killing.

I vow to refrain from taking what is not freely given. I shall not take, cause others to take, or approve of anyone taking what is not freely given. I regret, censure, reject, and abandon taking what is not freely given.

I vow to refrain from sexual misconduct. I shall not engage, cause others to engage, or approve of anyone engaging in sexual misconduct. I regret, censure, reject, and abandon sexual misconduct.

I vow to refrain from harmful speech. I shall not harm, cause others to harm, or approve of anyone harming sentient beings through lying, divisive speech, harsh and abusive words, and idle chatter. I regret, censure, reject, and abandon harmful speech.

I vow to refrain from intoxication, leading to carelessness. I shall not become intoxicated, cause others to become intoxicated, or approve of anyone becoming intoxicated. I regret, censure, reject, and abandon intoxication, leading to carelessness.

Virtuous Acts

Virtuous acts are the antithesis of non-virtuous acts. They are extensions of observing the Precepts. They do not supplant or supersede them.

We cannot begin to protect life if we do not stop injuring and killing others.

We cannot be generous while taking what is not freely given.

We cannot speak beneficially while lying and offending.

We cannot respect others while abusing their bodies.

We cannot cultivate sobriety while intoxicated.

How many persons who claim to be “pro-life” support the death penalty? How many eat animals? How many hunt? How many applaud violence and wars?

One cannot claim to protect life while continuing to, directly and indirectly, deprive others of life. And it is thus with all virtuous acts.

If we do not observe the Precepts, all so-called good acts are a deception.