Embedded Files
Brothers and Sisters, please listen. Today the community will recite the Fourteen Mindfulness Trainings. The Fourteen Mindfulness Trainings are the very essence of the Order of Interbeing. They are the torch lighting our path, the boat carrying us, the teacher guiding us. I ask the community to listen with a serene mind. Consider the mindfulness trainings as a clear mirror in which to look at ourselves. Say yes, silently, every time you see that during the past two weeks you have made an effort to study, practice, and observe the mindfulness trainings read.
The First Mindfulness Training: Openness
Do not be idolatrous about or bound to any doctrine, theory, or ideology, even Buddhist ones. Buddhist systems of thought are guiding means; they are not absolute truth.
This is the First Mindfulness Training of the Order of Interbeing. Have we made an effort to study, practice and observe it during the past two weeks?
[3 Breaths]
[Bell]
The Second Mindfulness Training: Non-attachment to Views
Do not think the knowledge you presently possess is changeless, absolute truth. Avoid being narrow-minded and bound to present views. Learn and practice nonattachment from views in order to be open to receive others’ viewpoints. Truth is found in life and not merely in conceptual knowledge. Be ready to learn throughout your entire life and to observe reality in yourself and in the world at all times.
This is the Second Mindfulness Training of the Order of Interbeing. Have we made an effort to study, practice and observe it during the past two weeks?
[3 Breaths]
[Bell]
The Third Mindfulness Training: Freedom of Thought
Do not force others, including children, by any means whatsoever, to adopt your views, whether by authority, threat, money, propaganda or even education. However, through compassionate dialogue, help others renounce fanaticism and narrowness.
This is the Third Mindfulness Training of the Order of Interbeing. Have we made an effort to study, practice and observe it during the past two weeks?
[3 Breaths]
[Bell]
The Fourth Mindfulness Training: Awareness of Suffering
Do not avoid contact with suffering or close your eyes before suffering. Do not lose awareness of the existence of suffering in the life of the world. Find ways to be with those who are suffering by all means, including personal contact, visits, images, and sounds. By such means, awaken yourself and others to the reality of suffering in the world.
This is the Fourth Mindfulness Training of the Order of Interbeing. Have we made an effort to study, practice and observe it during the past two weeks?
[3 Breaths]
[Bell]
The Fifth Mindfulness Training: Simple, Healthy Living
Do not accumulate wealth while millions are hungry. Do not take as the aim of your life fame, profit, wealth or sensual pleasure. Live simply and share time, energy and material resources with those who are in need. Do not use alcohol, drugs, or any other products that bring toxins into your own and the collective body and consciousness.
This is the Fifth Mindfulness Training of the Order of Interbeing. Have we made an effort to study, practice and observe it during the past two weeks?
[3 Breaths]
[Bell]
The Sixth Mindfulness Training: Dealing with Anger
Do not maintain anger or hatred. As soon as anger and hatred arise, practice the meditation on compassion in order to deeply understand the persons who have caused anger and hatred. Learn to look at other beings with the eyes of compassion.
This is the Sixth Mindfulness Training of the Order of Interbeing. Have we made an effort to study, practice and observe it during the past two weeks?
[3 Breaths]
[Bell]
The Seventh Mindfulness Training: Dwelling Happily in the Present Moment
Do not lose yourself in dispersion and in your surroundings. Practice mindful breathing to come back to what is happening in the present moment. Be in touch with what is wondrous, refreshing, and healing both inside and around you. Plant seeds of joy, peace, and understanding in yourself in order to facilitate the work of transformation in the depths of your consciousness.
This is the Seventh Mindfulness Training of the Order of Interbeing. Have we made an effort to study, practice and observe it during the past two weeks?
[3 Breaths]
[Bell]
The Eighth Mindfulness Training: Community and Communication
Do not utter words that can create discord and cause the community to break. Make every effort to reconcile and resolve all conflicts, however small.
This is the Eighth Mindfulness Training of the Order of Interbeing. Have we made an effort to study, practice and observe it during the past two weeks?
[3 Breaths]
[Bell]
The Ninth Mindfulness Training: Truthful and Loving Speech
Do not say untruthful things for the sake of personal interest or to impress people. Do not utter words that cause division and hatred. Do not spread news that you do not know to be certain. Do not criticize or condemn things that you are not sure of. Always speak truthfully and constructively. Have the courage to speak out about situations of injustice, even when doing so may threaten your own safety.
This is the Ninth Mindfulness Training of the Order of Interbeing. Have we made an effort to study, practice and observe it during the past two weeks?
[3 Breaths]
[Bell]
The Tenth Mindfulness Training: Protecting the Sangha
Do not use the Buddhist community for personal gain or profit, or transform your community into a political party. A religious community, however, should take a clear stand against oppression and injustice and should strive to change the situation without engaging in partisan conflicts.
This is the Tenth Mindfulness Training of the Order of Interbeing. Have we made an effort to study, practice and observe it during the past two weeks?
[3 Breaths]
[Bell]
The Eleventh Mindfulness Training: Right Livelihood
Do not live with a vocation that is harmful to humans and nature. Do not invest in companies that deprive others of their chance to live. Select a vocation that helps realize your ideal of compassion.
This is the Eleventh Mindfulness Training of the Order of Interbeing. Have we made an effort to study, practice and observe it during the past two weeks?
[3 Breaths]
[Bell]
The Twelfth Mindfulness Training: Reverence for Life
Do not kill. Do not let others kill. Find whatever means possible to protect life and prevent war.
This is the Twelfth Mindfulness Training of the Order of Interbeing. Have we made an effort to study, practice and observe it during the past two weeks?
[3 Breaths]
[Bell]
The Thirteenth Mindfulness Training: Generosity
Possess nothing that should belong to others. Respect the property of others, but prevent others from enriching themselves from human suffering or the suffering of other species on Earth.
This is the Thirteenth Mindfulness Training of the Order of Interbeing. Have we made an effort to study, practice and observe it during the past two weeks?
[3 Breaths]
[Bell]
The Fourteenth Mindfulness Training: Right Conduct
One should not engage in sexual relationships which will cause suffering to the other person, oneself, or to others. Be aware of the suffering one can cause in such relations. To preserve the happiness of others, respect the rights and commitments of others.
This is the Fourteenth Mindfulness Training of the Order of Interbeing. Have we made an effort to study, practice and observe it during the past two weeks?
[3 Breaths]
[Bell]
Concluding Words
Brothers and Sisters, now we have recited the Fourteen Mindfulness Trainings of the Order of Interbeing. Thank you all for reciting and listening with serene minds.
Please join your hands together as we recite the vows:
Living beings are without number;
I vow to help in rowing to the other side.
The causes of suffering are without end;
I vow to end them.
The deep instructions are without estimation; I vow to learn them thoroughly.
The way of illumination is unsurpassed;
I vow to realize it perfectly.
Any merits achieved by this recitation we transfer equally to all living beings so that we and all other living beings will achieve enlightenment
Together.
Google Sites
Report abuse