The Bodhisattva Precepts

The Ethical Foundations of Zen

The Bodhisattva Precepts are a set of ethical teachings (śīla) used in Mahayana Buddhism to advance a practitioner along the path to becoming a bodhisattva. In the Mahayana tradition, practitioners observe the Bodhisattva Precepts which are associated with the bodhisattva vows to save all sentient beings.  The Bodhisattva Vows for all sentient beings are as follows;

Creations are numberless, I vow to free them
Delusions are inexhaustible, I vow to transform them
Reality is boundless, I vow to perceive it
The enlightened way is unsurpassable, I vow to embody it

In the Sōtō school of Zen, the founder Dōgen Zenji established a version of the Bodhisattva Precepts for use by both priests and lay followers. 

The Three Treasures

I take refuge in the Buddha
I take refuge in the Dharma
I take refuge in the Sangha

The Three Pure Precepts

I vow to not create harm
I vow to practice good
I vow to actualize good for others

The Ten Grave Precepts

I vow to nurture life; I will not kill.
I vow to be giving; I will not steal.
I vow to honor the body; I will not misuse sexuality.
I vow to manifest truth; I will not lie.
I vow to cultivate clarity; I will not cloud the mind.
I vow to realize equality; I will not speak of others’ errors and faults.
I vow to practice humility; I will not elevate the self and blame others.
I vow to share generously; I will not be withholding.
I vow to cultivate patience; I will not be angry.
I vow devotion to the practice; I will not defile the Three Treasures.