Precepts
Ten Major Bodhisattva Precepts
The ten grave precepts of the East Asian Mahāyāna Brahmā's Net Sutra.
- Tradition or school
- Buddhism
- Framework type
- Precepts
- Authority classification
- Scriptural
- Observance
- Mixed requirements
- Research status
- Identified for research
- Origin period
- Chinese translation traditionally attributed to Kumārajīva in the early fifth century CE
- Origin region
- East Asian Buddhist textual tradition
- Attributed origin
- The Mahāyāna Brahmā's Net Sutra
- Intended audience
- Practitioners formally undertaking this East Asian Mahāyāna precept lineage
- Published constituent items
- 10
- Last reviewed
- 28 June 2027
Primary texts and authority
The ten grave precepts of the East Asian Mahāyāna Brahmā's Net Sutra.
Rules, principles or steps
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Do not kill
Do not kill, cause killing or approve intentional destruction of life.
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Do not steal
Do not take what is not freely given or cause others to do so.
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Do not engage in sexual misconduct
Avoid sexual conduct violating vows, consent, trust or welfare.
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Do not use false speech
Do not lie, deceive or induce falsehood.
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Do not trade in intoxicants
Do not distribute intoxicants in ways that promote heedlessness and harm.
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Do not maliciously publicise communal faults
Avoid malicious exposure or factional use of faults, without concealing abuse.
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Do not praise yourself while disparaging others
Do not elevate yourself by belittling others.
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Do not be stingy with aid or teaching
Do not selfishly withhold responsible material or spiritual help.
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Do not harbour destructive anger
Do not cling to hatred or reject sincere reconciliation, while preserving safety.
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Do not slander the Three Jewels
Do not maliciously denigrate the Buddha, Dharma or Sangha.
Historical development
These precepts became influential in East Asian Buddhism, but their authority and application differ across lineages.
Variations
Other Mahāyāna texts transmit different bodhisattva-precept systems; this page concerns the Brahmā's Net ten grave precepts.
Traditional interpretation
The ten grave precepts of the East Asian Mahāyāna Brahmā's Net Sutra.
Controversies and disputes
Ancient institutional wording requires careful modern interpretation, especially where safeguarding, criticism and individual rights are involved.
Truth By Reason analysis
The precepts strongly support non-harm, honesty, generosity and restraint. Institutional rules must never be used to conceal abuse, crime or danger.
Ethical themes
Sources
- The Brahmā's Net Sutra Primary source