Refuges and Precepts

REFUGES AND PRECEPTS

Online retreats are unique in that we are practicing with the sublime within the context of our ordinary lives. It requires that we learn to access a different type of seclusion than the seclusion we experience when we go away to a residential retreat center. At the same time, we want to allow our practice to bring the same level of care and deliberate, intentional focus that we cultivate on residential retreats. The Refuges and Precepts can become our practice bell reminding us to turn towards practice again and again.

The traditional explanation of the Refuges and Precepts have been expanded in an effort to support continuity of mindfulness and our commitment to practicing within the context of our home, work and relationships. If we let our commitment to the Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha be our compass and the Precepts be our ethical signposts, we can build a sense of seclusion and strengthen concentration even at home. Daily chores around our residence become yogi jobs. Taking a walk around the neighborhood becomes walking meditation. Running an errand to the store becomes preparing for and going to a practice interview.

THE REFUGES

I GO TO THE BUDDHA FOR REFUGE

As best I am able, I will keep my awareness on the fact that I am in retreat no matter what I am doing. I will treat every action as a “meditation” by returning to the present moment felt sense of whatever I am doing.

I GO TO THE DHAMMA FOR REFUGE

As best I am able, I will follow the meditative instructions for the retreat. I will limit my activities just for this retreat to allow myself time to contemplate the wisdom of the teachings. I will let each day be as simple as possible so that there is enough space for me to reflect upon teachings in my life.

I GO TO THE SANGHA FOR REFUGE

As best I am able, I will stick with the schedule of the retreat as a support for my fellow yogis. When attending a meditation, I will meditate. When doing waking meditation, I will stay with the walking meditation.

THE PRECEPTS

FIRST PRECEPT

I undertake the training to refrain from harming living beings. During this retreat, I promise to be mindful of the many ways in which my judgments, anger, fear and self-centeredness might diminish and harm myself and others. I promise to cultivate compassion and care in my thoughts, words and actions towards myself and others.

SECOND PRECEPT

I undertake the training to refrain from taking what is not freely offered. During this retreat, I promise to be mindful of the many ways I try to get my way, control my environment, manipulate situations to my benefit and put demands on the people around me. I promise to cultivate kindness and generosity by allowing this week to unfold in its natural course and by giving people the safety of choice.

THIRD PRECEPT

I undertake the training to refrain from sexual misconduct. During this retreat, I promise to be mindful of ways sexual misuse can cause suffering to another. I promise to cultivate responsibility and respect for my commitments and the commitments of others.

FOURTH PRECEPT

I undertake the training to refrain from harsh and harmful speech. During this retreat, I promise to practice limited noble silence by being mindful of the amount of my talking and will refrain from engaging in idle chit-chatting, gossiping, arguing and complaining. I promise to cultivate kind, truthful speech and deep listening.

FIFTH PRECEPT

I undertake the training to refrain from unmindful consumption of intoxicants. During this retreat, I promise to be mindful of my consumption and overconsumption of food, alcohol and entertainment and will refrain from using social media, listening to/reading the news and watching television. I promise to cultivate a healthy diet, good physical health and clarity of mind.