The Five Mindfulness Trainings

The Five Mindfulness Trainings below are Zen Master Thich

Nhat’s Hanh’s translation of the 5 basic precepts as taught by the

Buddha Shakyamuni. The Buddha offered these precepts to both his

ordained and lay followers so that they could have clear guidelines to

lead mindful and joyful lives on the path to awakening. Thich Nhat Hanh

has updated the precepts so that they are beautifully appropriate and

relevant in today’s society. In his book entitled “For a Future to be

Possible”, Thich Nhat Hanh describes in detail how the Five Wonderful

Mindfulness Trainings can be used by anyone in today’s world to create a

more harmonious and peaceful life.) The First Training: Aware of the suffering caused by

the destruction of life, I vow to cultivate compassion and learn ways

to protect the lives of people, animals, plants and minerals. I am

determined not to kill, not to let others kill, and not to condone any

act of killing in the world, in my thinking and in my way of life. The Second Training: Aware of the suffering caused

by exploitation, social injustice, stealing and oppression, I vow to

cultivate loving kindness and learn ways to work for the well-being of

people, animals, plants and minerals. I vow to practice generosity by

sharing my time, energy, and material resources with those in real need.

I am determined not to steal and not to possess anything that should

belong to others. I will respect the property of others, but I will

prevent others from profiting from human suffering or the suffering of

other species on earth. The Third Training: Aware of the suffering caused by

sexual misconduct, I vow to cultivate responsibility and learn ways to

protect the safety and integrity of individuals, couples, families and

society. I am determined not to engage in sexual relations without love

and a long-term commitment. To preserve the happiness of myself and

others, I am determined to respect my commitments and the commitments of

others. I will do everything in my power to protect children from

sexual abuse and to prevent couples and families from being broken by

sexual misconduct. The Fourth Training: Aware of the suffering caused

by unmindful speech and the inability to listen to others, I vow to

cultivate loving speech and deep listening in order to bring joy and

happiness to others and relieve others of suffering. Knowing that words

can create happiness or suffering, I vow to learn to speak truthfully,

with words that inspire self-confidence, joy and hope. I am determined

not to spread news that I do not know to be certain and not to criticize

or condemn things of which I am not sure. I will refrain from uttering

words that can cause division or discord; or words that can cause the

family or the community to break. I will make all efforts to reconcile

and resolve all conflicts, however small. The Fifth Training: Aware of the suffering caused by

unmindful consumption, I vow to cultivate good health, both physical

and mental, for myself, my family, and my society by practicing mindful

eating, drinking and consuming. I vow to ingest only items that preserve

peace, well being, and joy in my body, in my consciousness, and in the

collective body and consciousness of my family and society. I am

determined not to use alcohol or any other intoxicant or to ingest foods

or other items that contain toxins, such as certain TV programs,

magazines, books, films and conversations. I am aware that to damage my

body and my consciousness with these poisons is to betray my ancestors,

my parents, my society and future generations. I will work to transform

violence, fear, anger and confusion in myself and in society by

practicing a diet for myself and for society. I understand that a proper

diet is crucial for self transformation and the transformation of

society.