Observances

The 21 Observances of the Zen Peacemakers give a sense of the spiritual approach of our tradition.  They're developed from the original 16 Bodhisattva Precepts found widely in Zen Buddhism, together with '5 Commitments' based on a shared perspective reached by many faiths in the last World Parliament of Religions.  The Observances aren't a fixed rule to follow, but an opportunity to explore the richness of your life as experienced in interaction with other beings and the world around you...


Three Treasures of a Zen Peacemaker

Inviting all creations into the mandala of my practice and vowing to serve them.  I take refuge in:

  • Oneness: the awakened nature of all beings  (Buddha)
  • Diversity: the ocean of wisdom and compassion  (Dharma)
  • Harmony: the interdependence of all creations  (Sangha)

Three Tenets of a Zen Peacemaker

Taking refuge and entering the stream of Engaged Spirituality, I vow to live a life of:

  • Not-Knowing, thereby giving up fixed ideas about ourselves and the universe
  • Bearing witness to the joy and suffering of the world
  • Loving actions towards ourselves and others

Ten Practices

Being mindful of the interdependence of Oneness and Diversity, and wishing to actualize my vows, I engage in the spiritual practices of:

  • Recognizing that I am not separate from all that is.  This is the precept of Non-Killing.
  • Being satisfied with what I have.  This is the precept of Non-Stealing.
  • Encountering all creations with respect and dignity.  This is the precept of Chaste Conduct.
  • Listening and speaking from the heart.  This is the precept of Non-Lying.
  • Cultivating a mind that sees clearly.  This is the precept of Not Being Ignorant.
  • Unconditionally accepting what each moment has to offer.  This is the precept of Not Talking About Others Errors and Faults.
  • Speaking what I perceive to be the truth without guilt or blame.  This is the precept of Not Elevating Oneself And Blaming Others.
  • Using all of the ingredients of my life.  This is the precept of Not Being Stingy.
  • Transforming suffering into wisdom.  This is the precept of Not Being Angry.
  • Honoring my life as an instrument of peacemaking.  This is the precept of Not Thinking Ill of the Three Treasures.

Five Commitments

I commit myself to developing a culture of

  • Nonviolence and reverence for life;
  • Solidarity and a just economic order
  • Tolerance and a life based on truthfulness
  • Equal rights and partnership between men and women
  • Care for the sacred elements – earth, water, air & fire – and discernment and respect for the subtle interdependence among all creation.