The Precepts Matter in Our Lives

The most important takeaway is to recognize that the precepts support our sitting practice. And it's through practicing, through sitting faithfully that we come to see life as one whole. We can naturally want to live in harmony with beings and refrain from causing harm out of doing Zazen - both on and off the mat. As Zen Master Dogen wrote, When we do Zazen, what precept is not observed? What merit is not actualized? The four vows are: "Resolve to respect the Buddha nature"