Sixteen Bodhisattva Precepts
Sixteen Bodhisattva Precepts in Soto Zen
In Soto Zen, the founder Dogen established a somewhat expanded version of the Bodhisattva Precepts for use by both priests and lay followers, based on both Brahma Net Sutra and other sources. Many various translations exist, the following is used by John Daido Loori, Roshi at the Zen Mountain Monastery:
The Three Treasures
Taking refuge in the Buddha
Taking refuge in the Dharma
Taking refuge in the Sangha
The Three Treasures are universally known in Buddhism as the Three Refuges or Three Jewels.
The Three Pure Precepts
Do not create Evil
Practice Good
Actualize Good For Others
These are also known as the Three Root Precepts, and are mentioned in the Brahma Net Sutra as well.
The Ten Grave Precepts
Affirm life – Do not kill
Be giving – Do not steal
Honor the body – Do not misuse sexuality
Manifest truth – Do not lie
Proceed clearly – Do not cloud the mind
See the perfection – Do not speak of others errors and faults
Realize self and other as one – Do not elevate the self and blame others
Give generously – Do not be withholding
Actualize harmony – Do not be angry
Experience the intimacy of things – Do not defile the Three Treasures