Precepts and Ethical Guidelines

美國慈悲寺戒律與行儀守則
Precepts and Ethical Guidelines of American Ci Bei Temple

以下戒律為美國慈悲寺僧人及佛教徒修行之根本準則,依佛教傳統教義制定,並尊重性地調整以適應美國現代生活。戒條旨在護持正念、培養慈悲、引導解脫。本寺所有修行者皆應以此為日常修持與精神承諾之依據。
The following precepts serve as foundational guidelines for both monastics and lay Buddhists at American Ci Bei Temple. Rooted in traditional Buddhist teachings and respectfully adapted to contemporary American life, these vows support the cultivation of mindfulness, compassion, and the path toward liberation. All members of the temple community are encouraged to uphold these precepts as part of their daily practice and spiritual commitment.

美國慈悲寺出家人十戒(沙彌戒)與菩薩戒教本
The Novice and Bodhisattva Precept Manual of American Ci Bei Temple
美國慈悲寺出家人十戒(Novice Precepts of American Ci Bei Temple)

1. 不殺生
Refrain from killing living creatures.
(Pāṇātipātā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi)
2. 不偷盜
Refrain from taking what is not given.
(Adinnādānā veramaṇī…)
3. 不邪淫且獨身
Refrain from sexual misconduct — to uphold integrity and respect in relationships. As a monastic, observe complete celibacy, abstaining from all sexual activity, romantic involvement, and intimate relationships.
(Abrahmacariyā veramaṇī…)
4. 不妄語
Refrain from false speech.
(Musāvādā veramaṇī…)
5. 不酤、不飲菸酒毒,一切令人迷亂失正念之物皆當遠離。
Abstain from indulging in intoxicants and refrain from selling, promoting, or consuming any substances—such as tobacco, alcohol, or drugs—that cause delusion and loss of mindfulness.
6. 不奢侈華麗生活
Avoid luxurious or extravagant living, including the use of perfumes, garlands, ornate jewelry, or other adornments associated with vanity.
(Corresponds to Pāṭimokkha rule)
7. 不貪享樂娛樂
Avoid excessive attachment to music, entertainment, or recreational pleasures; occasional appreciation of the arts is acceptable when approached with mindfulness and moderation.
8. 尊重他教信仰,穿著注意場所
Respect other religions and dress appropriately according to the setting.
9. 不非時食(參考科學飲食。午时前食,晚上充飢稱藥石。飲食不過饑過飽)
Observe a disciplined and scientifically grounded way of eating, with reference to evidence‑based dietary principles: base your daily diet on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, and healthy fats; choose minimally processed foods; and maintain balanced nutrition. Follow the principle of eating well in the morning with nutrient‑dense foods, eating adequately at midday, and eating lightly in the evening. Let your meals follow regular times and uphold moderation, avoiding both overeating and undereating.
10. 不貪戀財富和寶物。僧人獲得信眾自願供養的功德財物,除自己生活基本所需之外,剩餘資金應該用於弘法。忌私自貪戀儲蓄財物。如僧人是寺廟負責人時,則可代管寺資產運營弘法。
Refrain from becoming attached to wealth or precious possessions. A monastic who receives voluntary offerings from devotees may retain only what is necessary for basic living expenses, while all surplus funds should be directed toward Dharma activities and the benefit of all beings. Personal hoarding or attachment to wealth is to be avoided. When a monastic serves as the responsible leader of a temple, they may manage temple assets solely for administrative duties and Dharma activities, without any claim of personal ownership.

美國慈悲寺沙門菩薩戒(Mahayana Bodhisattva Precepts)
一、三聚淨戒(The Threefold Bodhisattva Vows)
持戒攝(戒律修持)
嚴格遵守戒體,不犯根本戒。
The Precept of Moral Discipline — Upholding the precepts with sincerity and refraining from all fundamental violations.
修善攝(修行善法)
利益眾生,修布施、忍辱等。
The Precept of Cultivating Virtue — Practicing wholesome actions such as generosity, patience, and benefiting all beings.
度眾生攝(度化他人)
發菩提心,以慈悲利他為宗旨。
The Precept of Benefiting Sentient Beings — Generating bodhicitta and dedicating oneself to compassion and altruistic service.
二、十重戒(Ten Heavy Precepts)
1. 不殺生
Abstain from killing.
2. 不偷盜
Abstain from stealing.
3. 不邪淫且獨身
Refrain from sexual misconduct — to uphold integrity and respect in relationships. As a monastic, observe complete celibacy, abstaining from all sexual activity, romantic involvement, and intimate relationships.
(Abrahmacariyā veramaṇī…)
4. 不妄語
Abstain from false speech.
5. 不酤、不飲菸酒毒,一切令人迷亂失正念之物皆當遠離。
Abstain from indulging in intoxicants such as tobacco, alcohol, and drugs, and refrain from selling, promoting, or consuming any intoxicating substances — including tobacco, alcohol, and narcotics — that cause delusion and loss of mindfulness.
6. 不說四眾過
Abstain from revealing offenses of the Four Assemblies (monastics and lay, minor or major offenses).
7. 不自贊毀他
Do not praise oneself or disparage others.
8. 不慳吝加毁(不可在他人請求布施佛法時,慳吝不予,且加以毀辱。要發大慈悲心度衆生)
Do not withhold the Dharma or refuse those who sincerely seek instruction, nor respond with insult or contempt. Cultivate great compassion and teach all beings with an open and generous heart.
9 不嗔心不受悔(不可生嗔心辱、擊眾生,且不可他人說悔求諒時不接受)
Do not give rise to anger or speak harshly toward others, and do not reject those who express genuine remorse and seek forgiveness.
10 不毀謗正法三寶
Do not slander the Buddha, the Dharma, or the Sangha.

美國慈悲寺佛教居士五戒(The Five Precepts for Lay Buddhists in America)
1. 不殺生
Refrain from killing — to respect and protect all forms of life.
2. 不偷盜
Refrain from stealing — to respect others’ property and not take what is not freely given.
3. 不邪淫
Refrain from sexual misconduct — to uphold integrity and respect in relationships.
4. 不妄語
Refrain from false speech — to speak truthfully, mindfully, and harmoniously.
5. 不菸酒毒
Refrain from indulging in intoxicants such as tobacco, alcohol, and drugs — to preserve mindfulness and avoid delusion.

戒律制定來由(Origin and Purpose of These Precepts)
本戒律依據佛教古代大乘與小乘傳統之戒法為基礎,參照南傳上座部《沙彌十戒》經典,以及《梵網經》第十品鳩摩羅什譯本所列之十重與四十八輕戒大誡部分,並依美國社會文化與現代生活方式作出合宜調整。旨在協助佛教出家人與居士於現代環境中仍能正確持戒、清淨修行、培養慈悲智慧,使佛法在美國社會中得以弘揚、安住與利益眾生。
These precepts are founded upon the classical monastic and lay disciplines of both the Theravāda and Mahāyāna traditions. They draw from the traditional Ten Novice Precepts of the Theravāda lineage, as well as the major prohibitions found in Chapter Ten of the Brahmā’s Net Sūtra, based on Kumārajīva’s translation of the Ten Major and Forty‑Eight Minor Precepts. Respectfully adapted to contemporary American culture and modern life, these precepts are intended to guide monastics and lay practitioners in maintaining pure conduct, cultivating compassion and wisdom, and upholding the Dharma in a manner that is both faithful to tradition and beneficial to society.

美國慈悲寺禪規制定者:美國慈悲寺開山住持泓雲法師
Compiled and authorized by Venerable Hongyun, Founding Abbot of American Ci Bei Temple.

American Ci Bei Temple Inc Established in New York City on June 30, 2024, American Ci Bei Temple Inc is a Mahayana Buddhist Zen organization under the spiritual leadership of Venerable Master Hong Yun. Rooted in the compassionate spirit of the Mahayana tradition, the temple serves as a sanctuary for cultivating wisdom, compassion, and inner clarity. As the temple’s spiritual mentor, Master Hong Yun guides and inspires the fourfold assembly of disciples in the integrated practice of Zen and Pure Land teachings. Through this balanced path, practitioners are encouraged to deepen their insight, purify their minds, and progress toward spiritual liberation. Dedicated to transcending ignorance, promoting the righteous Dharma, enlightening society, and benefiting all sentient beings, American Ci Bei Temple Inc strives to bring compassion and clarity to the modern world—offering a place where individuals can discover peace, purpose, and the transformative power of the Dharma.