The Heart of Being: Living the Zen Precepts

Zen master John Daido Loori’s unique examination of the Buddhist precepts, the significance of their invocation in ceremonial settings, and their relevance for both modern practitioners and as general ethical guidelines.

Starting on the Zen path is a commitment to living a new way. In this handbook to the Buddhist precepts that guide Zen living, Loori shares Master Dogen’s time-honored instructions about the precepts and discusses the ethical significance of the Zen vows that reflect the Buddha’s teachings on a wide range of social and moral issues, whether for formal Zen training or as guidelines for living an enlightened life. A question-and-answer section is provided as well to clarify the practical applications of the precepts in the context of day-to-day life.

While Loori’s detailed explanation of the precepts is rooted especially in the practices of the Mountains and Rivers Order that he led for many years, his presentation and commentary reflect the relevance of the precepts for any practitioner of Buddhism. He details:

· jukai, the ceremony of initiation;
· what it means to take refuge in the Buddha, his teachings, and the community;
· the relationship between the precepts and living in harmony with the world around us;
· and the four great bodhisattva vows.

These teachings provide perennial wisdom not only for those studying Buddhism but for anyone struggling to navigate the dilemmas of modern life. As Loori demonstrates, the Buddha’s teachings offer a true moral compass for wise, compassionate, and “right” action.