It is said, in various places in the Buddhist teaching, or Dharma, that the moral precepts are the conduct of Buddhas: the beginning of practice is to act like a Buddha by using these precepts to guide our behavior.

Our basic precepts text, the Kyojukaimon or “Instructions on Giving and Receiving the Vows to Keep And Practice the Precepts” can be found here. This work was written by Great Master Dogen.

Here is a pdf booklet with a compilation of writings on the Precepts by teachers of our tradition including a commentary on the Kyojukaimon by Rev. Master Jiyu-Kennett.

For some audio Dharma talks on the Precepts, follow this link.