The Five Precepts
These precepts are offered to guide the ethical behavior of the Cloud Mountain community. Retreatants, staff, teachers, board members, and volunteers are all requested to do their best to cultivate these precepts while at Cloud Mountain Retreat Center. They are intended as standards we can internalize as a foundation for our practice, as the Buddha intended. Living by the precepts is an act of great generosity to all beings we encounter.1. Refraining from Killing:
Aware of the suffering caused by the destruction of life, I will cultivate the precept of not killing. And will not encourage others to kill. In undertaking this precept, I acknowledge the interconnection of all sentient beings.
2. Refraining from Stealing:
Aware of the suffering caused by exploitation, injustice and stealing, I agree not to take anything that does not belong to me or has not been freely offered, and to respect the property of others. I will be honest in my dealings with money.
3. Refraining from Sexual Misconduct:
Aware of the suffering caused by sexual misconduct, I will avoid creating harm through sexuality, and will avoid sexual exploitation or breaking commitments of sexual fidelity.
4. Refraining from False Speech:
Aware of the suffering caused by unmindful and untrue words, I will undertake the training of speaking truthfully, with beneficial words. I will cultivate deep listening. I will refrain from gossip about others. I will attempt, with kindness and honesty, to resolve any conflicts I have with other people.
5. Refraining from the Use of Intoxicants:
Aware of the suffering caused by unmindful consumption of intoxicants, I will refrain from abusing them, including non-medicinal drugs and alcohol.
We also ask that you bear in mind the principles of stewardship and generosity while at Cloud Mountain: I will refrain from wasting the resources upon which other beings depend. I will not be possessive of people or things, but will undertake to give of myself for the alleviation of suffering and the well being of all.