Note: These "Alternative Precepts" are actually Kobun's esoteric interpretation of the precepts according to Bodhidharma. (Bodhidharma was the original zen patriarch in China about 1500 years ago.)
A disciple of the Buddha
does not kill.
Bodhidharma said:
self-nature is mysterious and profound. In the midst of constantly changing, constantly
abiding dharma, not having the mind of origination or extinction of beings is
called the Precept of No Killing.
A disciple of Buddha takes
only that which is given.
Bodhidharma said: self-nature
is mysterious and profound. In the midst of unattainable dharma, not giving
rise to the mind of attainment is called the Precept of No Stealing.
A disciple of Buddha does
not misuse sex.
Bodhidharma said:
self-nature is mysterious and profound. In the midst of the dharma of
non-attachment, not giving rise to the view of fulfillment through attachment is
called the Precept of Not Abusing Sex.
A disciple of Buddha does
not lie.
Bodhidharma said: self-nature
is mysterious and profound. In the midst of inexpressible dharma, to not preach
one word is called the Precept of No Illusory Words.
A disciple of Buddha does
not give or use intoxicants.
Bodhidharma said:
self-nature is mysterious and profound. In the midst of immaculate dharma, not
giving birth to ignorance is called the Precept of Not Giving or Using
Intoxicants.
A disciple of Buddha does
not criticize.
Bodhidharma said:
self-nature is mysterious and profound. In the midst of unmistakable dharma,
not criticizing the mistakes of others is called the Precept of Not Finding
Fault With Others.
A disciple of Buddha does not
praise or blame.
Bodhidharma said:
self-nature is mysterious and profound. In the midst of identical dharma,
undifferentiated dharma, not inflating with praise or demeaning with blame is
called the Precept of No Praise, No Blame.
A disciple of Buddha does
not hoard material possessions or teachings.
Bodhidharma said:
self-nature is mysterious and profound. In the midst of the dharma of all
pervading suchness, not giving rise to attachment to a single form is called
the Precept of Not Hoarding.
A disciple of Buddha does
not harbor ill will.
Bodhidharma said:
self-nature is mysterious and profound. In the midst of selfless dharma, not
thinking there is a real self is called the Precept of No Anger.
A disciple of the Buddha
does not abuse the three treasurers.
Bodhidharma said:
self-nature is mysterious and profound. In the realm of the one truth, not
holding dualistic views about ordinary beings and BuddhaÕs is the called the
Precept of Not Defaming the Three Treasures.