Ten Engaged Trainings To Grow With

1. Aware of the suffering created by fanaticism and intolerance, we are determined not to be idolatrous about or bound to any doctrine, theory, or ideology, even Buddhist ones. Buddhist teachings are guiding means to help us learn to look deeply and to develop our understanding and compassion. They are not doctrines to fight, kill, or die for.

2. Aware of the suffering created by attachment to views and wrong perceptions, we are determined to avoid being narrow-minded and attached to our current views. We shall learn and practice non-attachment from views in order to be open to others' insights and experiences. We are aware that the knowledge we presently possess is not changeless, absolute truth. Truth is found in life, and we will observe life within and around us in every moment, ready to learn throughout our lives.

3. Aware of the suffering brought about when we impose our views on others, we are committed not to force others, even our children, to adopt our views, thus refraining from all forms of coersion whatsoever (such as authority, threats, money, propaganda, or indoctrination). We will respect the right of others to be different and to choose what to believe and how to decide. We will, however, help others renounce fanaticism and narrowness through compassionate dialogue.

4. Aware that looking deeply at the nature of suffering can help us develop compassion and find ways out of suffering, we are determined not to avoid or close our eyes before suffering. We are committed to finding ways, including personal contact, as well as finding news reports that make us more aware of those who are suffering around the world, so we can understand their situation deeply and help them transform their suffering into compassion, peace, and joy.

5. Aware that true happiness is rooted in peace, solidity, freedom, and compassion, and not in wealth or fame, we are determined not to take fame, profit, wealth, or sensual pleasure as the aim of our life. We are committed to living simply and sharing our time, energy, and material resources with those in need. We will practice mindful consuming to be equally attentive to the substances we might ingest, as well as to the various products available to us in modern society that we may obtain and use, and attentive as well to how all of these may affect ourselves and those around us.

6. Aware that the lack of communication always brings separation and suffering, while at the same time aware that words can create suffering or happiness, we are committed to learning to speak truthfully and constructively, using only words that inspire hope, and confidence, and to training ourselves in the practice of compassionate listening and loving speech. We are determined not to say untruthful things for the sake of personal interest or to impress people, nor to utter words that might cause hatred. We will not spread news that we do not know to be certain nor criticize or condemn things of which we are not sure. We will do our best to speak out about situations of injustice.

7. Aware that the essence and aim of a Buddhist community is the practice of understanding and compassion, we are determined not to use our community for personal gain or profit or transform it into a political instrument. A spiritual community should, however, take a clear stand against oppression and injustice and should strive to change the situation without engaging in partisan conflicts.

8. Aware that great violence and injustice have been done to our environment and society, we are committed not to live with a vocation that is harmful to humans and nature. We will do our best to select a livelihood that helps realize our ideal of understanding and compassion. Aware of global economic, political and social realities, we will behave responsibly as consumers and as citizens, not investing in companies that deprive others of their chance to live.

9. Aware that much suffering is caused by war and conflict, we are determined to cultivate nonviolence, understanding, and compassion in our daily lives, to promote peace education, mindful mediation, and reconciliation within families, communities, nations, and in the world. We are determined not to kill and not to let others kill. We will diligently practice deep looking with our Dharma friends to discover better ways to protect life and prevent war.

10. Aware of the suffering caused by exploitation, social injustice, stealing, and oppression, we are committed to cultivating loving kindness, to learning ways to work for the well-being of people, animals, plants, and to respecting the finite nature of the earth's mineral resources and the delicate balance of its atmosphere, oceans, and land masses. We will practice generosity by sharing our time, energy, and material resources with those who are in need. We are determined not to steal and not to possess anything that should belong to others. We will respect the property of others, but will try to prevent others from profiting from human suffering or the suffering of other beings.

Note: These engaged trainings are a revision of some of the Fourteen Mindfulness Trainings of the Order of Interbeing.