We Vow Not to . . .

Knowing how deeply our lives intertwine,
We vow not to kill.

Knowing how deeply our lives intertwine,
We vow not to take what is not given.

Knowing how deeply our lives intertwine,
We vow not to engage in abusive
relationships.

Knowing how deeply our lives intertwine,
We vow not to speak falsely or
deceptively.

Knowing how deeply our lives intertwine,
We vow not to harm self or others
through poisonous thought or
substance.

Knowing how deeply our lives intertwine,
We vow not to dwell on past errors.

Knowing how deeply our lives intertwine,
We vow not to speak of self separate
from others.

Knowing how deeply our lives intertwine,
We vow not to possess anything or form
of life selfishly.

Knowing how deeply our lives intertwine,
We vow not to harbor ill will toward any
plant, animal or
Human being.

Knowing how deeply our lives intertwine,
We vow not to abuse the great truth
Of the Three Great Treasures.

Origin:

Stephanie Kaza, professor of environmental studies at the University of Vermont and author of The Attentive Heart: Conversations With Trees. She practices the Zen Buddhist technique of shikantaza — just sitting — to find serenity and inspiration among trees.

Options:

•The Three Great Treasures are faith in the Buddha, faith in the Dharma (divine law), and faith in the Sangha (community). You may omit this line if your are not Buddhist, or you may add your own treasure here.

• If you say a morning creed, you may wish to substitute this prayer, or say it following your expression of faith, as an expression of ethical resolve.

Frances Sheridan Goulart, Stephanie Kaza in God Has No Religion: Blending Traditions for Prayer by Frances Sheridan Goulart