Six Specific Precepts
In the specific precepts, there are three things to avoid and three things to do.
Three Things to Avoid
- Having taken refuge in the Buddha, you should not worship any gods who are still bound within the cycle of saṃsāra.
- Having taken refuge in the Dharma, you should not inflict harm upon any sentient being.
- Having taken refuge in the Saṅgha, you should not associate with friends who hold extreme views.
Three Things to Do
- Practise according to the words of the Buddha and then, without forgetting them, generate faith and devotion. Show respect even for broken fragments of statues and images of the Buddha.
- Exert yourself in studying, reflecting and meditating on the sacred Dharma. Show respect even for torn scriptures that represent the Dharma.
- Respect the saṅgha who are followers of the Buddha, associate with virtuous friends, and treat even tiny pieces of yellow cloth as objects worthy of reverence.
From An Essential Instruction on Refuge and Bodhicitta by Patrul Rinpoche, | Translated by Adam Pearcey, Rigpa Translations, 2004. http://www.lotsawahouse.org/tibetan-masters/patrul-rinpoche/essential-instruction-refuge-bodhichitta