This past Saturday, members of Treetop Zen Center observed Fusatsu, or precept renewal. Each month, on the first Saturday, Treetop completes this special service, during which Zen students renew their commitment to practicing the Sixteen Bodhisattva Precepts. In addition, each month Treetop examines one of the precepts in greater depth and discuss each student’s understanding of the precept and practice of it.

The precept for May is “I vow to take up the Way of Not Being Greedy.”

This precept has also been expressed thusly by two of our most revered patriarchs:

Bodhidharma – “Self-nature is subtle and mysterious. In the realm of the ungilded Dharma, not creating a veneer of attachment is called the Precept of Not Misusing Sex.” (This precept is also commonly translated as “Not Misusing Sex.”)

Dogen Zenji – “The Three Wheels are pure and clear. When you have nothing to desire, you follow the way of all Buddhas.”

Where are you in your understanding and practice of taking up “The Way of Not Being Greedy”?

Share your thoughts in the comments.