AZC Precepts and Buddhist ethics

Exploring the 16 precepts in preparation for Matariki Jukai. Source: The World Could be Otherwise by Norman Fischer.

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...

This talk covers precepts 2 and 8, which have to do with greed -- wanting stuff we don't have and clinging to stuff we already have, as well as precepts 4,6 and 7 which are to do with different aspects of right speech -- being truthful, kind and not boastful.

The Buddhist Precepts are at the core of the Great Way and have their origins in the 8-fold Path. The version that we say can be found in the Brahma Net Sutra, translated into Chinese by Kumarajiva in the 4th Century CE.