THE 14 Mindful Trainings
1. Openness
Aware
of the suffering created by fanaticism and intolerance, I am determined
not to be idolatrous about or bound to any doctrine, theory or
ideology, even Buddhist ones. Buddhist teachings are guiding means to
help me learn to look deeply and to develop my understanding and
compassion. They are not doctrines to fight, kill or die for.
2. Non-attachment to Views
Aware
of suffering created by attachment to views and wrong perceptions, I am
determined to avoid being narrow-minded and bound to present views. I
will learn and practise non-attachment from views in order to be open
to others’ insights and experiences. I am aware that the knowledge I
presently possess is not changeless, absolute truth. Truth is found in
life and I will observe life within and around me in every moment,
ready to learn throughout my life.
3. Freedom of Thought
Aware
of the suffering brought about when I impose my views on others, I am
committed not to force others, even my children, by any means
whatsoever – such as authority, threat, money, propaganda or
indoctrination – to adopt my views. I will respect the right of others
to be different and to choose what to believe and how to decide. I
will, however, help others renounce fanaticism and narrowness through
compassionate dialogue.
4. Awareness of Suffering
Aware that looking deeply at the nature of suffering can help me
develop compassion and find ways out of suffering, I am determined not
to avoid or close my eyes before suffering. I am committed to finding
ways, including personal contact, images and sounds, to be with those
who suffer, so I can understand their situation deeply and help them
transform their suffering into compassion, peace and joy.
5. Simple, Healthy Living
Aware
that true happiness is rooted in peace, solidity, freedom and
compassion, and not in wealth or fame, I am determined not to take as
the aim of my life fame, profit, wealth or sensual pleasure, nor to
accumulate wealth while millions are hungry and dying. I am committed
to living simply and sharing my time, energy and material resources
with those in real need. I will practise mindful consuming, not using
alcohol, drugs or any other products that bring toxins into my own and
the collective body and consciousness.
6. Dealing with Anger
Aware
that anger blocks communication and creates suffering, I am determined
to take care of the energy of anger when it arises and to recognise and
transform the seeds of anger that lie deep in my consciousness. When
anger comes up, I am determined not to do or say anything, but to
practise mindful breathing or mindful walking and acknowledge, embrace
and look deeply into my anger. I will learn to look with the eyes of
compassion on those I think are the cause of my anger.
7. Dwelling Happily in the Present Moment
Aware
that life is available only in the present moment and that it is
possible to live happily in the here and now, I am committed to
training myself to live deeply each moment of daily life. I will try
not to lose myself in dispersion or be carried away by regrets about
the past, worries about the future, or craving, anger or jealousy in
the present. I will practise mindful breathing to come back to what is
happening in the present moment. I am determined to learn the art of
mindful living by touching the wondrous, refreshing and healing
elements that are inside and around me, and by nourishing seeds of joy,
peace, love and understanding in myself, thus facilitating the work of
transformation and healing in my consciousness.
8. Community and Communication
Aware
that lack of communication always brings separation and suffering, I am
committed to training myself in the practice of compassionate listening
and loving speech. I will learn to listen deeply without judging or
reacting and refrain from uttering words that can create discord or
cause the community to break. I will make every effort to keep
communications open and to reconcile and resolve all conflicts, however
small.
9. Truthful and Loving Speech
Aware
that words can create suffering or happiness, I am committed to
learning to speak truthfully and constructively, using only words that
inspire hope and confidence. I am determined not to say untruthful
things for the sake of personal interest or to impress people, nor to
utter words that might cause division or hatred. I will not spread news
that I do not know to be certain nor criticise or condemn things of
which I am not sure. I will do my best to speak out about situations of
injustice, even when doing so may threaten my safety.
10. Protecting the Sangha
Aware
that the essence and aim of a Sangha is the practise of understanding
and compassion, I am determined not to use the Buddhist community for
personal gain or profit or transform our community into a political
instrument. A spiritual community should, however, take a clear stand
against oppression and injustice and should strive to change the
situation without engaging in partisan conflicts.
11. Right Livelihood
Aware
that great violence and injustice have been done to the environment and
society, I am committed not to live with a vocation that is harmful to
humans and nature. I will do my best to select a livelihood that helps
realize my ideal of understanding and compassion. Aware of global
economic, political and social realities, I will behave responsibly as
a consumer and as a citizen, not investing in companies that deprive
others of their chance to live.
12. Reverence for Life
Aware
that much suffering is caused by war and conflict, I am determined to
cultivate non-violence, understanding and compassion in my daily life,
to promote peace education, mindful mediation and reconciliation,
within families, communities, nations and in the world. I am determined
not to kill and not to let others kill. I will diligently practice deep
looking with my Sangha to discover better ways to protect life and
prevent war.
13. Generosity
Aware
of the suffering caused by exploitation, social injustice, stealing and
oppression, I am committed to cultivating loving kindness and learning
ways to work for the well-being of people, animals, plants and
minerals. I will practice generosity by sharing my time, energy and
material resources with those who are in need. I am determined not to
steal and not to possess anything that should belong to others. I will
respect the property of others, but will try to prevent others from
profiting from human suffering or the suffering of other beings.
14. Right Conduct
(For lay members): Aware that sexual relations motivated by craving cannot dissipate the feeling of loneliness but will create more suffering, frustration, and isolation, we are determined not to engage in sexual relations without mutual understanding, love, and a long-term commitment. In sexual relations, we must be aware of future suffering that may be caused. We know that to preserve the happiness of ourselves and others, we must respect the rights and commitments of ourselves and others. We will do everything in our power to protect children from sexual abuse and to protect couples and families from being broken by sexual misconduct. We will treat our bodies with respect and preserve our vital energies (sexual, breath, spirit) for the realization of our bodhisattva ideal. We will be fully aware of the responsibility of bringing new lives into the world, and will meditate on the world into which we are bringing new beings.
