Here’s a comparative table exploring the Zen Precepts, Ten | 1being
Here’s a comparative table exploring the Zen Precepts, Ten Commandments, Tibetan Buddhist Precepts, and some Related Concepts from other spiritual traditions, illustrating how different paths encourage ethical and compassionate living:
| Principle | Zen Precepts | Ten Commandments | Tibetan Buddhist Precepts | Related Concepts (Other Traditions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Respect for Life | Avoid harming living beings; cultivate compassion. | "Thou shalt not kill." | Avoid taking life, cherish all living beings. | Ahimsa (non-violence) in Hinduism; Refraining from harm in Jainism. |
| Honesty | Speak truthfully, avoid deceit. | "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor." | Refrain from false speech and lying. | Satya (truthfulness) in Hinduism; Truth-telling emphasized in Islam and Baha'i. |
| Non-Stealing | Avoid taking what is not freely given. | "Thou shalt not steal." | Do not take what is not given. | Respect for property in Native American traditions; Right Action in Buddhism. |
| Sexual Responsibility | Refrain from sexual misconduct; respect boundaries. | "Thou shalt not commit adultery." | Avoid harmful sexual conduct; approach relationships with respect. | Yama of Brahmacharya (celibacy or sexual restraint) in Yoga; respect in Sikhism. |
| Moderation | Avoid intoxication, practice clear awareness. | No direct equivalent. | Avoid intoxicants to maintain clarity of mind and awareness. | Temperance in Christianity; Self-restraint in Stoicism and Sufism. |
| Generosity | Practice generosity, avoid selfishness. | "Thou shalt not covet... anything that is thy neighbor's." | Cultivate generosity, avoid greed and desire. | Dana (generosity) in Buddhism; Charity in Islam (Zakat) and Christianity. |
| Non-Gossip | Avoid divisive speech and gossip, cultivate harmony in relationships. | No direct equivalent, but overlaps with truthfulness. | Refrain from harsh speech and slander. | Right Speech in Buddhism; Speaking kindly in Confucianism. |
| Self-Awareness | Practice mindfulness and awareness in thoughts, words, and actions. | No direct equivalent, but similar to honoring Sabbath reflection | Mindfulness in behavior and speech; discipline in thought and action. | Mindfulness in Buddhism; Inner reflection in Kabbalistic Judaism. |
| Gratitude and Humility | Appreciate life, practice humility, avoid arrogance. | "Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain." | Acknowledge and respect others' contributions; humility. | Humility in Christianity and Islam; Ego reduction in Sufism. |
| Respect for Teachers | Honor those who guide on the spiritual path; respect elders and mentors. | "Honor thy father and thy mother." | Respect teachers, elders, and spiritual mentors. | Guru-shishya tradition in Hinduism; respect for elders in indigenous cultures. |
This comparison shows shared values like non-violence, honesty, and respect across traditions, highlighting the universal nature of many ethical teachings in spiritual paths. Each tradition may interpret these concepts uniquely, yet they converge on fostering compassion, integrity, and mindful living.