Today as I was looking on my bookshelf for another great book on peace I came across The Kwan Um School of Zen’s Chanting and Temple Rules workbook. Near the back of the book on page 52 there is a section entitled “On Conduct.” After reading it I realized that if I just followed these rules each and every day I would definitely end up with a peaceful life and positive relationships with everyone I meet and especially with my family and friends. Below is what they have written.
- On conduct
- Always act with others. Do not put yourself above others by acting differently. Arrogance is not permitted in the temple.
- Money and sex are like a spiteful snake. Put your concern with them far away.
- In the dharma room always walk behind those seated in meditation. At talks and ceremonies, keep the proper posture and dress. Do not talk or laugh loudly in the dharma room.
- If you have business outside the temple which causes you to miss ceremonies or meals, notify one of the temple officials before you leave.
- Respect those older than you. Love those younger than you. Keep your mind large and open.
- If you meet sick people love and help them.
- Be hospitable to guests. Make them welcome and attend to their needs.
- When respected people visit the temple, bow to them and speak considerately to them.
- Be courteous. Always let others go before you.
- Help other people.
- Do not play games with other people.
- Do not gossip.
- Do not use other people’s shoes and coats.
- Do not cling to the scriptures.
- Do not oversleep.
- Do not be frivolous.
- Let older and more respected people be seated before you.
- Do not discuss petty temple matters with guests.
- When visiting outside the temple, speak well of the temple to others.
- Drinking to produce heedlessness or acting out of lust will only make bad karma and destroy your practice. You must be strong and think correctly. Then these desires cannot tempt you.
- Do not delude yourself into thinking you are a great and free person. This is not true Buddhism.
- Attend only to yourself. Do not judge the actions of others.
- Do not make the bad karma of killing, stealing, or lust.
And finally, they end it with these powerful words:
Originally there is nothing.
But Buddha practiced unmoving under the
Bodhi tree for six years,
And for nine years Bodhidharma sat
Silently in Sorim.If you can break the wall of your self,
You will become infinite in time and space.
The Secret to a More Fulfilling Life!: Part 7 The Power of Contemplation
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You can, of course, change the pronoun from we to I if you are studying alone. There is a veritable encyclopedia of great works of Buddhism to read and digest and contemplate. The more we study and learn and embrace the words of the great teachers from Shakyamuni Buddha to our current writers and translators the more we will be able to embody the teachings until they become a part of who we are.
Then and only then can we begin to automatically, without thinking, act in a kind, loving, helpful, and nonjudgmental way. No longer will the questions of “What would the Buddha do” enter our minds. Our brain will automatically know and go to that action or find those kind and loving words so quickly you will wonder where they could have come from.
Being a Buddhist is not simply putting on a robe and expecting everyone will look up to you and think you are grand or special or knowledgeable. It is with or without a robe acting like a person with merit gained from your studies having penetrated into your words, deeds, thoughts, and actions. That lets people know you are a student of the Buddha. It is not easy to be a “real” Buddhist. In fact, it is very challenging in the beginning. Why? Because goodness must swell up from within you in all situations and with all people regardless of the circumstances of the moment.
I am not always the best Buddhist and I know when I have slipped away from my vows and have to begin anew. How do I know that? –through knowledge of the teachings, through my time spent on the cushion contemplating and studying the sutras and the teachings of Buddhism through the ancients to the modern authors–that’s how.
It’s quite like the world class chefs. They do not learn how to be a great chef by eating, they learn by studying with other great chefs, and cooking, and cooking some more. Creating recipes takes a lot more time, thought, and effort then eating! What recipe are you using? Jell-O Instant pudding or one made from scratch with great ingredients, time, effort, studying, concentration, and love of the teachings?
[1] Tanahashi, K. (2015) Zen Chants Thirty-Five Essential Texts with Commentary. Shambhala: Boston and London
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