Zen Buddhism Clip Art The Ten Precepts

Zen Buddhism is a meditative practice which is designed to increase self-awareness and compassion. It is not a religion as such, with a set of beliefs and dogmas to be accepted, but rather a way of approaching life and a way of experiencing life, together with a set of practices to help the individual achieve an enlightened (nirvana) state. A Zen meditation is a mind-body encounter, in the sense that there is an emphasis on ritual physical movements (bowing, chanting, sitting, walking, etc.), but the primary purpose of such activities is the quietening effect they have on the mind.

The Zen experience is one of 'sitting loose' to life, and it is therefore in sharp contrast to the somewhat 'driven' left-brain orientation of the West, with its emphasis on rationality, logic and control. It appears, therefore, to have much in common with the Inner Game ideas of Tim Gallwey. And the role played by the Zen koan (e.g. "What is the sound of one hand clapping?") as a puzzle to jolt the individual into a fresh way of looking at things appears to have a resonance with the concept of lateral thinking in creativity.

The Ten Precepts

1. I will refrain from killing.

2. I will refrain from stealing.

3. I will refrain from abusing sexuality.

4. I will refrain from speaking untruthfully.

5. I will refrain from encouraging, delusion in myself and others.

6. I will refrain from malicious speech.

7. I will refrain from being proud of myself and belittling others.

8. I will refrain from holding back in giving either Dharma or wealth.

9. I will refrain from indulging in anger.

10. I will refrain from defaming the Three Treasures.