The Murder of Precepts
#1 AVOID KILLING
Give up killing living creatures! Banish all punishment and violence! Create a sanctuary, a paradise, by being careful and kind—full of compassion for all living beings! Let your love be boundless, unlimited, and absolute! Have no enemies, as they all become just: people who can’t recognize a friend!
#2 STOP STEALING
Give up stealing! Take only what’s given, and expect only what’s given! Remain clean of all competition and thieving! Encourage the skillfulness in others by letting their skill be worth something!
#3 TRY CELIBACY
Give up being a part of all the chasing, or being chased! Be safe, make others safe—see everyone as your parent, or your sibling, or your child!
#4 DON’T LIE
Give up lying! Speak the truth and stick to the truth! Be honest and trustworthy, and don’t trick the world with your words! Honest people offer the truth, while liars offer nothing at all!
#5 STAY SOBER
Give up intoxicants! They cause negligence! There are 108 ways to crave—to thirst; enough to tangle you up, enough to choke you! Being intoxicated won’t make you any better at handling the knots!
#6 EAT EARLY
Give up eating at the wrong time! Eat in one session, early in the day! Take your nourishment before beginning your day, or at least before midday! Stop eating at night altogether, allowing the stomach to actually empty and digestion to settle—for a calmer evening meditation and a more restful sleep!
#7 TURN OFF THE SHOW
Give up entertainments! Don’t add dye to water and pretend you’ve made it more refreshing! By attempting to beautify; wearing jewelry, perfume, and makeup! With the distracting stimulation of watching shows or listening to music!—you’re drowning the peaceful present moment!
#8 SLEEP IN A LOW BED
Give up your high and luxurious beds! Try sleeping in a low place, like a cot or a straw mat with a woodblock for a pillow! Sleep in the wilderness, under a tree, in the open air, or in the wastelands! Maybe never lie down at all, and stay in the standing, walking, or sitting positions! Because no matter how much luxury you try to stuff into your pillows, the one content with wherever they lay their mat, will have the greater bed!
