PRECEPTS OF THE ORDER OF ST. JOSAPHAT

(Precepts are meant as directions, or a rule of action or conduct.  They are, simply, teachings we hold to be true.)

    Love God (understanding this word in ways that have meaning for you, Ultimate Reality, Tao, etc.) with your whole heart, mind, strength, and will. (The four yogas or disciplines: bhakti or devotion, jnana or

        study, hatha or meditation, and karma or deeds)

    Love others as you love yourself.

    Do unto others as you would have them do to you.

    Do not do to others what you would not have them do to you.

    The Spirit of God inhabits all sentient beings.

    Life outside the Spirit of God is suffering.

    Suffering is caused by desires contrary to the Spirit of God.

    The cessation of suffering is possible.

    The extinction of desires contrary to the Spirit of God leads to the cessation of suffering.

    Suffering is ultimately overcome by self-sacrifice; that is, by giving of yourself to others.

    The path to Nirvana, the Kingdom of Heaven, and Samadhi consists of the  following:

        Know there is only One God, called by many names;

        Hold a right view of the nature of reality;

        Place no thing before the One God;

        Honor the names of the One God;

        Set aside time for devotion to the One God; stil the mind;

        Contemplate the divine virtues (loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy)

        Respect parents, venerate ancestors, and remember history;

        Do not earn a living which is contrary to the Spirit of God or the path;

        Do not kill.

        Do not engage in adultery.

        Hold right thoughts, free from sensuous desire, ill-will, and cruelty;

        Do not steal.

        Do not crave or desire to possess what does not belong to you whether person or property;

        Do not bear false witness.

        Abstain from harsh, vulgar words, words delivered in anger, slurs, gossip, and idle chatter;

        Develop compassionate motivations.

Being a monk is not about belonging to a specific religion or denomination.  It is not about living in a monastery or separated from the world.  It is not about taking vows or wearing a particular habit or robes.

Being a monk is a matter of having a monastic heart; that is, living simply and humbly in the ever-presence of the One God and following His Spirit, which is already within you.

You may already be a monk in spirit.  However, membership and being listed on the "official" roles of the OSJ is by invitation and with the consent of the other monks.  If you are interested in joining, start with a friendship by contacting one of the Abbot or Prior.