Code of Conduct ~ The Five Precepts

A core aspect of the Buddha’s teaching is the importance of living by certain ethical guidelines. At IMS, these guidelines — known as the five precepts — form an integral part of daily life, and are adopted by everyone here, from retreatants and visitors to teachers and staff.

A commitment to undertake training in these precepts helps ensure our retreat environment of safety, refuge and non-harming.

While on retreat, all participants undertake:

• To refrain from harming any living, sentient beings — not to kill or intentionally hurt any person or creature, even an insect.
• To refrain from taking what is not freely given — not to steal or 'borrow' without the consent of the giver; to accept what is offered and not try to change it or get more.
• To abstain from sexual activity.
• To practice noble silence and to refrain from harming by one's speech — not to lie, gossip or use harsh or hurtful language.
• To abstain from using alcohol, recreational drugs and other intoxicants that cloud the mind and harm the body. (This does not apply to prescription medicines.)

In daily life, we can undertake the training:

• To practice compassionate action.
• To practice contentment.
• To practice responsibility in all our relationships.
• To refrain from harmful speech.
• To care for our bodies and our minds.