Aligning heart and mind with the Way,

All beings awaken!

Throughout the Buddhist tradition the full moon is regarded as a time when our aspirations are amplified. It is common in monasteries throughout Japan to practice renewing aspirations on the full moon. In that spirit after meditation, we will practice the way of council—sharing our challenges and aspirations, and then renew the bodhisattva precepts/vows together in a ceremony of bowing (touching the earth) and chanting.

The Bodhisattva Precepts can be found below.

The Three Pure Precepts
I vow not to cause harm.
I vow to cultivate goodness.
I vow to help others.

The Three Refuges (Three Treasures)
I take refuge in the Buddha.
I take refuge in the Dharma.
I take refuge in the Sangha.

The Ten Grave Precepts
I vow not to kill, but to cherish all life.
I vow not to steal, but to respect that which belongs to others.
I vow not to misuse sexual energy, but to be honest and respectful.
I vow not to lie, but to speak the truth.
I vow not to misuse drugs or alcohol, but to keep the mind clear.
I vow not to gossip about others’ faults, but to be understanding and sympathetic.
I vow not to praise myself by criticizing others, but to overcome my own shortcomings.
I vow not to withhold spiritual or material aid, but to give freely when needed.
I vow not to unleash anger, but to seek its source.
I vow not to speak ill of the Three Treasures, but to cherish and uphold them.