PRACTICING WITH THE PRECEPTS
– A Study Group Series –

Teacher:  Rev. Paravrtti Doralee Grindler Katonah
Tuesday evenings, 6 – 7:30 pm
     (March 4, 18;  April 1 ,15, 29;  May 13, 2025)
Register at  Ino@valleystreamszen.org

• A commitment to attend each session is expected.
• Recommended dana: $50

The Precepts, offered by the Buddha, are descriptions of enlightened, wholehearted living, naturally expressing compassionate and wise action, and open presence – a way of life dedicated to relieving suffering and realizing the truth of the interconnectedness of all living beings.

The Precepts reveal infinite possibilities of living an awakened reality. Through learning to interact with the Precepts, we set in motion a process of character development that will transform our lives. Through engagement and inquiry, we open a process of spiritual growth. We are given mirrors of the many ways we restrict our lives and turn away from letting go of self.

During our time together we will invite the precepts into our meditation practice, witness how they interact and transform our everyday experiences, and develop our capacity to receive guidance and insight from within. Together we will explore the multilayered meanings of each precept in an open and safe environment. This group is open to all who want to devote time and practice to this study together.

We will meet biweekly for 6 sessions. Our primary text will be Opening to Oneness – A Practical Guide to the Zen Precepts, by Nancy Mujo Baker (2023). Additional commentaries will be offered.

Rev. Doralee Grindler Katonah, Psy.D., M.Div. has been a student of ethics, both through her work as a clinical psychologist, her study of philosophy in undergraduate university, as a graduate student in the history of religions, and her 40-year study of Buddhism. She serves as Ino or head of the meditation hall for Valley Streams Zen Sangha. She studies in the Soto Zen Lineage of Sojun Diane Martin, founder and guiding teacher of Udumbarra Zen Center in Illinois and Rev. Val Szymanski, founder and head priest of Bamboo in the Wind Zen Sangha in California. She was lay ordained in 2008 and priest ordained in 2019. She served as head student for the Spring practice period at Bamboo in the Wind Zen Sangha May 2022.

*Three Pure Precepts
I vow to refrain from all evil.
I vow to make every effort to live in enlightenment.
I vow to live and be lived for the benefit of all beings.

*Ten Essential Precepts
I vow not to kill; rather cultivate and encourage life.
I vow not to take what is not given; rather cultivate generosity.
I vow not to misuse sexuality, rather cultivate and encourage honest and caring relationships.
I vow to refrain from false speech; rather cultivate and encourage truthful communication.
I vow to refrain from intoxicants; rather cultivate and encourage clarity.
I vow not to slander; rather cultivate and encourage respectful speech.
I vow not to praise self at the expense of others; rather cultivate and encourage self and others to abide in their awakened nature.
I vow not to be avaricious; rather cultivate and encourage mutual support.
I vow not to harbor ill will; rather cultivate and encourage lovingkindness and understanding.
I vow not to disparage the Three Treasures; rather cultivate and encourage awakening, the path and teaching of awakening and the community that takes refuge in awakening.

*excerpted from online document at San Francisco Zen Center.