A Way of Living: A Day with the Zen Precepts

9:00 am - 3:00 pm, Saturday July 25, 2026
In Person - Presented by Long Beach Meditation

“Self-nature is inconceivably wondrous” – Zen Founder Bodhidharma

The precepts are a description of how an awakened life actually moves in the world. What can at first appear as prohibitions subtly transform into their positive counterparts. In this daylong we will focus on the backbone of the enlightened way, the Ten Bodhisattva Precepts. The day concludes with a Jukai ceremony (receiving the precepts), in which LBM member Patrick Murphy will formalize his commitment to upholding and practicing the Dharma. Everyone is warmly invited to spend the day in practice and to witness and support each other in the study and embodiment of the awakened way. Newcomers and longtime practitioners are equally welcome.

The Ten Grave Precepts and their Positive Counterparts

  1. Refrain from killing – Nurture and protect life.
  2. Refrain from stealing – Take only what is freely given.
  3. Refrain from engaging in sexual misconduct – Meet intimacy with respect.
  4. Refrain from telling a lie – Speak the truth.
  5. Refrain from being ignorant or intoxicated – Foster a mind that is clear and awake.
  6. Refrain from talking about others’ errors and faults – Acknowledge your own faults; speak well of others.
  7. Refrain from elevating yourself and putting down others – Honor others as yourself, see the truth of non-separation.
  8. Refrain from being stingy – Give freely, according to the need.
  9. Refrain from being angry – Meet difficulty with patience.
  10. Refrain from speaking ill of the Three Treasures – Honor and uphold the Three Treasures.
Schedule

9:00am – Welcome and Introductions
9:20am – Meditation
9:50am – Walking Meditation
9:55am – Meditation
10:25am – Dharma talk: the precepts as the Bodhisattva’s life
11:00am – Tea Break
11:15am – Meditation
11:30am – Exploring the precepts together, first half (group dialogue)
12:15pm – Lunch
1:00pm – Meditation
1:25pm – Exploring the precepts together, second half
2:05pm – Pause; prepare the room for ceremony
2:15pm – Jukai ceremony for Patrick Murphy
2:55pm – Metta Chant
3:00pm – End

Cost

The retreat is being offered for $55. For LBM Sustaining Members, we are offering the retreat at a discounted rate of $45. Scholarships are available. Volunteers at events are always appreciated.

How to Join the Retreat

Please see Long Beach Meditation’s event page to register.