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# The Sixteen Bodhisattva Precepts
- URL: https://katecarruthers.com/the-sixteen-bodhisattva-precepts/
- Published: 2008-05-11T04:06:00.000Z
- Updated: 2008-05-11T04:06:00.000Z
- Author: Kate Carruthers
- Tags: ideas, #Migrated-1775015344493, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-04-01 14:49

"In essence, the Precepts are a definition of the life of a Buddha, of how a Buddha functions in the world. They are how enlightened beings live their lives, relate to other human beings and this planet, and make moral and ethical decisions while manifesting wisdom and compassion in everyday life. "  
  
**The Three Treasures**  
I take refuge in the Buddha  
I take refuge in the Dharma  
I take refuge in the Sangha  
  
I take refuge in the Buddha  
The incomparably honored one  
I take refuge in the Dharma, honorable for its purity  
I take refuge in the Sangha, honorable for its harmony  
  
I have taken refuge in the Buddha  
I have taken refuge in the Dharma  
I have taken refuge in the Sangha  
  
**The Three Pure Precepts**  
  
1\. Not Creating Evil  
2\. Practicing Good  
3\. Actualizing Good For Others  
  
**The Ten Grave Precepts**  
  
1\. Affirm life; Do not kill  
2\. Be giving; Do not steal  
3\. Honor the body; Do not misuse sexuality  
4\. Manifest truth; Do not lie  
5\. Proceed clearly; Do not cloud the mind  
6\. See the perfection; Do not speak of others errors and faults  
7\. Realize self and other as one; Do not elevate the self and blame others  
8\. Give generously; Do not be withholding  
9\. Actualize harmony; Do not be angry  
10\. Experience the intimacy of things; Do not defile the Three Treasures  
  
\[Source: [Zen Mountain Monastery](http://www.mro.org/zmm/training/jukai.php?ref=katecarruthers.com)\]  
  
By Carruthers via [Aide-mémoire](http://carruthk.blogspot.com/?ref=katecarruthers.com)  
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