ROOT VOWS (APPICABLE TO ALL MONKS)

Follow the Precepts

1) Harm no living being
2) Take only that which is given
3) Value truth: think, speak and act always with honesty
4) Avoid sexual misconduct
5) Maintain clarity of Mind - avoid substances that cloud the mind

Refraints

1) Refrain from frivolous adornment with earthy possessions -
   Wear only clothing and accessories which represent our
   culture and time.
2) Refrain from accepting gold or silver for Monk work.
3) Refrain from inappropriate speech - such as short speech
   or topics outside our world.  

Respecting elders.
 
  Elders, those who have taken vows before you, are objects of respect. Be respectful of your fellow Monks as well.

Maintain harmony within the Sangha
    Respect the teachings and individuals of the Sangha.  Avoid gossip and complaint.  If something troubles you, speak with your Sensei or your Elder.
      
Maintain a good reputation.
    A Monk can often help others better when having a good reputation. Even joking too much can be tricky when people misunderstand one's real intentions. Also, when others criticize you and damage your reputation. you should endeavor to clear your name.

Make an effort to study Dharma.
     Continue to attend teachings, Dharma discussions and so on.  Remain active in the Sangha and in your study.  This furthers your understanding for yourself and prepares you to answer questions accurately.  Maintain your knowledge and practice of the Eight Fold Path.

Help whoever needs assistance.
    Provide counseling, teaching, protection, shelter, guidance and so on when you have the opportunity and capability to do so. This relates especially to situations where you promised to help.

Respect Karma
    Understand and respect the role of Karma in our lives.  Do not belittle it or your Monk teachings by paying or charging for teachings

Avoid engaging in senseless talk through attachment.
    Do not waste your time gossiping with attachment about royal families, politics, wars, relationships, divorce, crimes, etc.

Forgive someone who apologizes.
    Do not refuse the apology of someone who wrongs you and then apologizes.  If they confesses that negative action to you, you must be prepared to accept their confession.
 
Practice  the four noble disciplines.
    1. not responding to anger with anger
    2. not responding to physical harm with physical harm
    3. not responding to criticism with criticism
    4. not responding to verbal argument with verbal argument
 
Care about those who are angry.
    Do not add fuel to the anger of others by neglecting or ignoring those who are angry with you. Instead of closing yourself off, try to communicate and dissipate their anger.

Returning kindness.
   Repay the kindness of others who have helped you or been generous to you.  Do not avoid doing  so  through malicious thoughts or laziness.

Be considerate of the wishes of others.
    You should avoid arguing with, or harming friends, relatives and those with whom you associate. Rather, be considerate and endeavor to respond to their needs and aspirations, as long as it does not bring harm to oneself or others.