Jing Si aphorisms

When we make great vows, not only do we vow to benefit all sentient beings, we put those vows into practice in our daily lives.

The greatest opportunity is here and now!

We cannot make do without courage, we cannot make do without faith. There is nothing in this world that is impossible, nothing we cannot do. There is only what we are unwilling to do.

When we encounter challenges, it is not because the situation is difficult, but because our minds have become stuck.

Stopping the journey halfway is more troublesome than just reaching the end of the path.

Learn to keep an unwavering mind when dealing with the challenges of the people and things around us; learn to maintain quietness and stillness in movement.

Ten Grave Precepts

1. Affirm life; Do not kill.
2. Be giving; Do not steal.
3. Honor the body; Do not misuse sexuality.
4. Manifest truth; Do not lie.
5. Proceed clearly; Do not cloud the mind.
6. See the perfection; Do not speak of others' errors and faults.
7. Realize self and other as one; Do not elevate the self and blame others.
8. Give generously; Do not be withholding.
9. Actualize harmony; Do not be angry.
10. Experience the intimacy of things; Do not defile the Three Treasures.*

(from the Sutra of Brahma's Net)


*The Three Treasures

1. Taking refuge in the Buddha (the teacher)
2. Taking refuge in the Dharma (the teaching)
3. Taking refuge in the Sangha (the spiritual community)

XXXI

Weapons are the tools of violence;
all decent men detest them.

Weapons are the tools of fear;
a decent man will avoid them
except in the direst necessity
and, if compelled, will use them
only with the utmost restraint.
Peace is his highest value.
If the peace has been shattered,
how can he be content?
His enemies are not demons,
but human beings like himself.
He doesn't wish them personal harm.
Nor does he rejoice in victory.
How could he rejoice in victory
and delight in the slaughter of men?

He enters a battle gravely,
with sorrow and with great compassion,
as if he were attending a funeral.

--from Stephen Mitchell's translation of the Tao Te Ching