The Precepts are the foundation of our training. The underlying principle is non-harming and non-exploitation of yourself or others. The Five Precepts or training rules support our formal practice on retreat and our informal practice in our daily lives:
To the best of my ability I will endeavour:
1. to act with compassion and loving-kindness towards all beings.
2. to be open-hearted and generous.
3. to practice stillness, simplicity, contentment, and self-restraint.
4. to speak with truth, clarity and peace.
5. to live with mindfulness.
(This version of the Five Training Precepts was begun by the Vietnamese monk, Thich Nhat Hanh.)