Prohibitory and Positive Aspects of the Precepts
Self-nature is inconceivably wondrous, mysterious, profound, and imperceptible.
In each following set of statements of the ten Buddhist Precepts:
the usual number and a brief prohibitory statement is first given, followed by
a paraphrase of the meaning of the precept in terms of the dharma (truth)
another paraphrase in terms of conceptual views
a brief positive paraphrase
and sometimes a modern alternative paraphrase.
1 no killing life
everlasting/eternal dharma
not raising view of stopping & extinction
cultivate, support and encourage life
2 no stealing
ungraspable dharma
not raising mind of attainment, not arousing the thought of gain
honor the gift not yet given
taking only what is freely given
3 no possessive attachment to fulfillment
free dharma
not raising attaching to loving, not raising the view of attachment
fidelity in relationships
engaging in sexual intimacy respectfully and with an open heart
4 no illusory words
inexplicable dharma
not to preach, not to speak one word
communicate truth
speaking truthfully
5 no encouragement of delusions
pure dharma
not to give birth to ignorance
clear and succinct
cultivating a clear mind
6 no dwelling on past mistakes
unmistakable truth
not speaking of others faults
wisdom from ignorance
speaking of others with openness and possibility
7 no praising or blaming
equality, not talking about self and others
maintain modesty
meeting others on equal ground
8 no hoarding materials or teachings
pervading truth
no hoarding or attaching, not clinging to a single thing
giving freely of all that I can
9 no anger or ill will
selfless truth,
no measuring of self, not contriving a reality of self
dwell in equanimity
Letting go of anger
10 no disparagement of the triple treasures
one dharma
not to give rise to mind of sentient being or Buddha, not raising a distinction between Buddhas and beings
not arousing a dualistic view
one great truth
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