Everyday Zen :: 16 Bodhisattva Precepts

16 Bodhisattva Precepts – by Zoketsu Norman Fischer Source: Everyday Zen :: 8. Precepts The sixteen bodhisattva precepts are a set of vows of ethical conduct taken many times in a Zen practitioner’s life. They derive originally from the vinaya, monastic vows taken on ordination during the Buddha’s time (250 precepts for monks, 348 for […]

Share the joy

Sarasota Ordinary Zen Sangha

Sarasota Ordinary Zen Sangha is a practice group where you can enjoy the benefits of sitting in a sangha (community) with other Zen practitioners. We are a secular non-affiliated Zen Group practicing Zen Meditation (zazen). You do not need to consider yourself a Buddhist to enjoy the benefits of zazen and all are welcome. Visit […]

Share the joy

The Hidden Aspects of the Five Precepts

The Hidden Aspects of the Five Precepts is an interesting Blog post by Edo Shonin and William Van Gordon. I enjoyed reading their fresh perspective on the five precepts (Buddhist code of ethics).  The five precepts are not formulated as laws or rules, but as training guide lines that lay people undertake voluntarily to facilitate […]

Share the joy

Pointing to direct experience

The Platform Sutra contains the autobiographical passages of the most profound figure of Zen literature, the sixth patriach Hui-neng. What I got from reading this Sutra was; Pointing to direct experience or the essence of mind is the central point. In one example the story goes, Hui-neng is happening upon two monks vigorously discussing what was moving […]

Share the joy

Lineage and precepts

To me precepts and linage are alive in one’s experience, not an outward “signing up for” or “belonging to”. The sixteen bodhisattva precepts are a set of vows of ethical conduct taken by a Zen practitioner when he/she is ready to make a commitment to conduct that benefits others, and are taken by both monastic and […]

Share the joy