Chan Attitudes

On the wall of the dining hall in the Chan Center in Elmhurst, New York, hangs a notice summarising the attitude to be adopted by resident and visiting practitioners. These suggestions seem to provide very sensible guidelines for a life of appropriate relatedness with others, not only within but also outside the meditation hall. So we present them here, slightly edited, for your reflection. They may provide a touchstone for effective living.

Honour and respect the Three Jewels,
Look after body and mind,
Respect and follow the master's instructions,
Practice and study diligently.

Be neat and clean, simple and frugal,
Work hard and remain humble,
Be calm and tranquil,
Live in peace and harmony.

Respect and forgive one another, 
Encourage and assist anyone with problems, 
Discipline yourself to be attentive, serious, serene, modest, 
Keep the precepts mindfully and do not boast.

Respect this house and its practitioners,
Do your best in everything,
See fame and possessions for what they are,
Forsake dependence upon them.

Avoid emotional turmoil, improper speech,
No inappropriate behaviour with the opposite sex,
Refrain from loud noisiness and thoughtless disturbance,
Do not waste time in idle chatter.

Neither fight nor insult one another,
Follow and respect a good example.
Abide by these guidelines and do not expect
misconduct to go unremarked.