Zen Buddhist information borrowed from sites around the web.
Four Noble Truths
1. Life is suffering.
2. Suffering is caused by selfish craving.
3. Selfish craving can be overcome.
4. The eightfold path to overcome selfish craving:
—a. right understanding
—b. right purpose
—c. right speech
—d. right conduct
—e. right livelihood
—f. right effort
—g. right alertness
—h. right concentration
The 10 Grave Precepts
1. Not destroying life – affirm life – do not kill. I will be mindful and reverential with all life, I will not be violent nor will I kill
2. Not stealing – be giving. I will respect others property, I will not steal.
3. Not committing unchaste acts – honor the body – do not misuse sexuality. I will be conscious and loving in my relationships, I will not give way to lust.
4. Not lying – manifest truth – do not lie. I will honor honesty and truth, I will not deceive.
5. Not taking intoxicants – proceed clearly – do not cloud the mind. I will exercise proper care of my body and mind, I will not be gluttonous nor abuse intoxicants.
6. Not speaking of others’ faults – see the perfection. I will remember that silence is precious, I will not gossip nor engage in frivolous conversation.
7. Not slandering others by praising yourself – realize self and other as one. I will be humble, I will not praise myself and judge others.
8. Not coveting – give generously – do not be withholding. I will be grateful for my life, I will not covet, envy or be jealous.
9. Not being angry – actualize harmony. I will keep my mind always calm and at peace, I will not give way to anger.
10. Not insulting the Three Treasures – experience the intimacy of things. I will esteem the three treasures: Buddha, Dharma, Sangha. I will not defame them.
10 more precepts
I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from …
…harming living beings.
…taking things not freely given.
…sexual misconduct.
…false speech.
…intoxicating drinks and drugs causing heedlessness.
…taking untimely meals.
…dancing, singing, music and watching grotesque mime.
…use of garlands, perfumes and personal adornment.
…use of high seats.
…accepting gold or silver.