Ten precepts (Buddhism, Zen)

In Mahayana Buddhism, and thus in Zen, the ten main precepts cover the ethics of the philosophy and their practice. At the exoteric level, that of the physical and mental life, the precepts are: (i) do not kill; (ii) do not steal; (iii) do not be unchaste; (iv) do not lie; (v) do not drink alcohol or cause anyone else to drink it; (vi) do not discuss another's wrong actions; (vii) do not vaunt one's self nor detract from others; (viii) do not be reluctant to assist another, whether spiritually or materially; (ix) do not be aggressive; (x) do not slander the [sambo]

(three treasures, three jewels of Buddhism). These are the basic rules by which the follower of Buddhism lives his or her life (although chastity is only required of monks). Since they are ideals, clearly they may not always be fully kept, and allowance is made for confession and repentance - although the further along the path the individual has progressed the less likely he is to deviate from the precepts. Despite the allowance for some deviation from the precepts, persistent carelessness with respect to one's life style can only hinder progress on the spiritual path. Beyond the material and mental, at the esoteric, mystical level of the heart, the ten precepts become vows: (i) to persist in the true dharma; (ii) to persist in seeking enlightenment; (iii) to be covetous of nothing and generous with all; (iv) never to lack compassion for any creature; (v) never to denounce or speak against any of the teachings; (vi) non-attachment to anything whatsoever; (vii) not to hold or cling to wrong views; (viii) to encourage others in the path of enlightenment; (ix) to bring to the followers of [Hinayana]

(lesser vehicle) Buddhism the teachings of the Mahayana way; (x) to always show charity to those having attained enlightenment, the bodhisattva.