The Ten Zen Precepts

Zen Buddhism is best known for its cultivation of spiritual insight, rigorous practice of sitting meditation and mindful simplicity in every-day life. What is less known about Zen is its ethical foundation, its roots deep in the Buddha's teachings of non-harm and generosity of spirit. These teachings are the ten precepts. They are not commandments, or moral absolutes, but guidelines on how to cultivate good character, to conduct our lives with better wisdom and compassion. Geoff Dawson is one of the founders of Zen Buddhism in Australia, as well as a founder of the Australian Association of Buddhist Counsellors and Psychotherapists. He is the teacher at the Ordinary Mind Zen School in Sydney. A lifetime of Zen practice, woven together with vast clinical experience as a psychologist and family therapist, has given rise to this book that explains Zen ethics in a manner that speaks to our contemporary life and times.