A core aspect of the Buddha’s teaching is the importance of living by certain ethical guidelines. At IMS, these guidelines, known as the Five Precepts, form an integral part of daily life, and are adopted by everyone here, from retreatants and visitors to teachers and staff.
All staff practice these precepts. This helps ensure an environment of safety, refuge and non-harming for all who come to IMS.
The Five Precepts
On staff, we undertake the training
- To practice compassionate action – to refrain from harming any living, sentient beings.
- To practice contentment – to refrain from taking what is not freely given. To not steal or ‘borrow’ without the consent of the giver; to accept what is offered and not try to change it or get more.
- To practice responsibility in all our relationships – including refraining from misusing sexual energy.
- To refrain from harmful speech – not to lie, gossip or use harsh or hurtful language.
- To care for ourselves – to refrain from clouding the mind and harming the body through the misuse of alcohol, drugs and other intoxicants.
