Ten Precepts (Taoism)
Encyclopedia
The Ten Precepts of Taoism were outlined in a short text that appears in Dunhuang
manuscripts (DH31, 32). The precepts are the classical rules of medieval Taoism
as applied to practitioners attaining the rank of Disciple of Pure Faith. They first appeared in the Scripture on Setting the Will on Wisdom (DZ325).
Dunhuang
Dunhuang is a city in northwestern Gansu province, Western China. It was a major stop on the ancient Silk Road. It was also known at times as Shāzhōu , or 'City of Sands', a name still used today...
manuscripts (DH31, 32). The precepts are the classical rules of medieval Taoism
Taoism
Taoism refers to a philosophical or religious tradition in which the basic concept is to establish harmony with the Tao , which is the mechanism of everything that exists...
as applied to practitioners attaining the rank of Disciple of Pure Faith. They first appeared in the Scripture on Setting the Will on Wisdom (DZ325).
The Precepts
- Do not kill but always be mindful of the host of living beings.
- Do not be lascivious or think depraved thoughts.
- Do not steal or receive unrighteous wealth.
- Do not cheat or misrepresent good and evil.
- Do not get intoxicated but always think of pure conduct.
- I will maintain harmony with my ancestors and family and never disregard my kin.
- When I see someone do a good deed, I will support him with joy and delight.
- When I see someone unfortunate, I will support him with dignity to recover good fortune.
- When someone comes to do me harm, I will not harbor thoughts of revenge.
- As long as all beings have not attained the TaoTaoDao or Tao is a Chinese word meaning 'way', 'path', 'route', or sometimes more loosely, 'doctrine' or 'principle'...
, I will not expect to do so myself.