Talks on the Precepts and Buddhist Ethics

Twice a year at AZC we hold Jukai (the Buddhist Taking-the-Precepts Ceremony), one at Matariki (Māori New Year), and one on 31 December. At both of the Jukai Ceremonies , we renew our commitments to the 16 Precepts that are the foundation of Buddist practice. In this talk, Roshi Amala Wrightson introduces the AZC Jukai Ceremony and explores some of the symbolism and traditions associated with the ceremony.

2021-06-15 Precepts 2

2021-06-01 Precepts Part 1

2006 talk in preparation for Jukai (Taking-the-Precepts Ceremony).

2011 talk in preparation for Jukai.

A talk on Buddhist Ethics in preparation for Jukai.

The Repentance Gatha: The first of three talks on the meaning of Matariki Jukai, the midwinter precepts ceremony (to be offered at the Centre this year on 17 June) looks at the first main element of the ceremony, the gatha (verse): "All evil actions committed by me since time immemorial, Stemming form greed anger and delusion, Arising form body, speech and mind, I now repent having committed."

The Three Treasures: The second of three talks on the meaning of Matariki Jukai, the midwinter precepts ceremony adds a few more comments on the Repentance Gatha, and looks into how taking refuge in the Three Treasures (Buddha, Dharma and Sangha) is the basis for all the other precepts.

The Three General Resolutions and Ten Cardinal Precepts: The third of three talks on the meaning of Matariki Jukai, the midwinter precepts ceremony (to be offered at the Centre this year on 17 June) looks at the the basic principles behind Buddhist ethics: doing no harm, active kindness and seeking liberation for all, and brief comments on how these principles play out in our mental, verbal and physical actions.

The Three Pure Precepts are the resolutions to abstain from evil, to do good, and to liberate all beings. Many awakened qualities can only be developed in community. The nature of ignorance and its relationship to awakened mind. Texts quoted: Reflections on a mountain lake / by Ani Tenzin Palmo. Luminous mind : the way of the Buddha / by Kalu Rimpoche.

Talk on the First Ethical Precept of Zen Buddhism: Not to kill, but to cherish all life.

Talk on the First Ethical Precept of Zen Buddhism: Not to kill, but to cherish all life.

Talk on Giving based around the Second and Eighth Ethical Precepts of Zen Buddhism: Not to take what is not given, but to respect the things of others; Not to withold spiritual or material aid, but to give freely where needed.

Talk on the Third Ethical Precept of Zen Buddhism: Not to misuse sexuality, but to be caring and responsible.

Sharing the warmth of marriage with gays and lesbians.

Talk on the Fourth, Sixth, and Seventh Ethical Precepts of Zen Buddhism, which deal with wholesome speech.

Informal talk on the Fifth Precept of Zen Buddhism: Not to cause others to take intoxicants, nor to do so myself, but to keep the mind clear.

Informal talk on the Sixth Ethical Precept of Zen Buddhism: Not to gossip about the faults of others, but to speak with kindness and respect.

Talk on the Ninth Ethical Precept of Zen Buddhism: Not to indulge in anger, but to practice forbearance. First of four talks.

Talk on the Ninth Ethical Precept of Zen Buddhism: Not to indulge in anger, but to practice forbearance. Second of four talks.