The Buddhist Group of Kendal (Theravada) although famous for their eight precepts with right livelihood as the eighth (here the ninth) also have a twelve precept version for “practitioners of the Buddha Dhamma who have attainment of enlightenment as their goal”. I am wondering what people think of these?
For myself I like the first nine.The Bodhicari Precepts wrote:1) Panatipata veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the Precept to refrain from killing and injuring living things
2) Adinnadana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the Precept to refrain from taking that which is not given
3) Kamesu micchacara veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the Precept to refrain from sexual misconduct and excessive sensuality
4) Musavada veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the Precept to refrain from false and harmful speech
5) Pisuna vaca veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the Precept to refrain from backbiting
6) Pharusa vaca veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the Precept to refrain from using harsh or abusive speech
7) Samphappalapa veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the Precept to refrain from useless or meaningless conversation
8) Sura – meraya – majja pamadatthana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the Precept to refrain from drink and drugs which fuddle the mind and reduce mindfulness
9) Micchajiva veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the Precept to refrain from wrong means of livelihood
10) Sabba sattesu metta sahagatena cetasa viharana sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the Precept to live every moment with loving-kindness to all living beings
11) Yavajivam aham ratanattayam na niggahissami tatheva tam samadarena garukaram karissamiti sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the Precept not to revile the Three Treasures [the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha] but to cherish and uphold them
12) Karunopaya kosalla pariggahitanam dasaparaminam paripurana sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the Precept to practise the Ten Perfections with compassion and skill
Imani dvadasa sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake these twelve Precepts with full sincerity
10 - as a precept seams off with the wording. other places like the 10 wholesome actions have far better wording to my mind "He bears no ill will and is not corrupt in the resolves of his heart." using abyāpanna-citto "mind of benevolence" which seams to cover more and be a key aspect of the first four seams better, for me anyway. but no actual problem with the precept just preference
11 - seams unneccesary as one takes the refuges anyway, but could be handy as a more secure reminder?
12 - makes 10 useless as metta is included and for me to vague for a precept.
The other extras included in the first 9 that are not in the five precepts are more useful.
but any thoughts on this list (practical, or otherwise)? have you tried these precepts before or their variant the Ajivatthamaka Sila mentioned on occasion.
As it is early morning for me I will come back after a rest to respond further just some initial things that jumped out at me when reading this again.