Precepts Poems by Matto (Shinkai)
(Precepts in bold)
I take refuge in the Buddha, in Oneness, the awakened nature of all beings.
Realizing my nature
I have a roof during the storm.
I take refuge in the Dharma, in Diversity, the ocean of wisdom and compassion.
All the ties in a great net
Holding peace together.
I take refuge in the Sangha, in Harmony, the interdependence of all.
A bow to any one
One ten-thousand manifest.
Not knowing, thereby giving up fixed ideas about myself and the universe, I vow to cease from evil.
Practicing interdependence
Inappropriate action
A cold shower to warm up.
Bearing witness to the joy and suffering of the world, I vow to practice good.
Sawblade grasses everywhere
Clumsy feet turn red
Compassion dancing above.
Honoring wholeness in myself and others, I vow to save all beings.
Of all the insults to avoid
Taking tea first is surely worst
Only last, if at all
For this que will continue.
Recognizing that I am not separate from all that is, I vow to take up the Way of Not Killing.
Breath never stolen
Infinite wind rustles the mind
Breath of life given.
Being satisfied with what I have, I vow to take up the Way of Not Stealing.
Of all the many precious things
Time and Energy
Honor only with intention.
Honoring mutuality and respecting commitment, I vow to take up the Way of Not Misusing Sex.
A cooperative dance
Timeless starlight through clouds
Together beautiful.
Listening and speaking from the heart, I vow to take up the Way of Not Speaking Falsely.
Speak with silver sword or cripple’s cane
Fist or palm
Front and center.
Cultivating a mind that sees clearly, I vow to take up the Way of Not Intoxicating Mind and Body.
Delusions are most addictive:
A quiet flame
Embers hard to extinguish
Quickly kindled.
Unconditionally accepting what each moment has to offer, I vow to take up the Way of Not Finding Fault with Others.
The mind’s road
Sometimes filled with fools
Silent stepping springs ceaseless compassion.
Meeting others on equal ground, I vow to take up the Way of Not Elevating Myself while Abusing Others.
Rest the mind
‘I’ vs. ‘You’
Laid to rest.
Using all the ingredients of my life, I vow to take up the Way of Not Sparing the Dharma Assets.
Daylight and moon-shadows
Enjoy the cricket’s song
It’s not made for our pockets.
Transforming suffering into wisdom, I vow to take up the Way of Not Harboring Ill Will.
Cutting thoughts may slice in two
Yet as a whetstone
They can be viewed anew.
Honoring my life as an instrument of the Great Way, I vow to take up the Way of Not Defaming the Three Treasures.
All are one
Buddha nature
One and all
Must practice!