Three Pure Precepts of Buddhism

 

Bezeklik CavesThe Three Pure Precepts of Buddhism are:

  • Cease all evil deeds.
  • Cultivate goodness.
  • Act for the benefit of others.

The three pure precepts sound simple, because they are meant to be simple to bear in mind and to follow.

Here is a method to incorporate the three pure precepts into your daily life, whether or not you wish to follow Buddhism (for, we can all agree, there is nothing in the three pure precepts that other religions would argue against).

  1. Memorize the three pure precepts. This is very easy to do, but if you want to make the process as simple as possible, write the three precepts on a scrap of paper, put the paper in your wallet or purse, and refer to the paper at various times of the day for a week or two until memorization has been accomplished.
  2. Once they are memorized, make time each day to call the three pure precepts to mind. This only takes a few minutes, and can be done prior to or following some other practice, like prayer or meditation.
  3. At the end of each day, ask yourself these simple questions:
    1. Did I, today, commit any deeds that were evil in nature? (Remember, even something small, like a catty remark about another person, is an evil deed, and you would be better off not committing such acts.)
    2. Did I, today, work proactively to cultivate goodness?
    3. Did I, today, perform any acts solely for the benefit of others?
  4. Resolve, at the end of this period of questioning, to adhere tomorrow as much as possible to the three pure precepts.

 

 

By this simple and easy means, one can and will become a better and more spiritual person.

 

See also:

 

Ten Great Precepts