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The Ten Pillars of Buddhism are ten ethical principles which together provide a comprehensive guide to the moral dimension of human life.
To explore them is to turn the lens of moral vision onto one aspect of life after another. To apply them is to accept the challenge of human potential for higher development – and to work with that challenge in the arena of everyday life.
The Venerable Sangharakshita is an ideal preceptor. As founder of the world-wide “Friends of the Western Buddhist Order”, and head of the Western Buddhist Order itself, he is a capable teacher, respected in East and West alike.
Readers from the Buddhist world will find some of the Sangharakshita’s ideas especially thought-provoking – and even controversial. But all readers, whether Buddhists or not, will find this message an invaluable source of stimulation and insight in their quest for ethical standards by which to live.
For thirty years, Sangharakshita has been playing an important part in the spread of Buddhism throughout the modern world. He is head of the Western Buddhist Order (Trailokya Bauddha Mahasangha), and is actively engaged in the development of what is now an international Buddhist movement with centres in thirteen countries worldwide. When not visiting centre he is based at a community in Norfolk. His writings are available in eleven language.
The Ten Precepts
I undertake the item of training which consists in abstention from killing living beings.
I undertake the item of training which consists in abstention from taking the not-given.
I undertake the item of training which consists in abstention from sexual misconduct.
I undertake the item of training which consists in abstention from false speech.
I undertake the item of training which consists in abstention from harsh speech.
I undertake the item of training which consists in abstention from frivolous speech.
I undertake the item of training which consists in abstention from slanderous speech.
I undertake the item of training which consists in abstention from covetousness.
I undertake the item of training which consists in abstention from hatred.
I undertake the item of training which consists in abstention from false views.
The Ten Positive Precepts
With deeds of loving-kindness, I purify my body.
With open-handed generosity, I purify my body.
With stillness, simplicity, and contentment, I purify my body.
With truthful communication, I purify my speech.
With words kindly and gracious, I purify my speech.
With utterance helpful and harmonious, I purify my speech.
Abandoning covetousness for generosity, I purify my mind.
Changing hatred into love, I purify my mind.
Transforming ignorance into wisdom, I purify my mind.