1. The Buddha is our only Master.
2. We take refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha.
3. We do not believe that this world is created and ruled by a
God.
4. Following the example of the Buddha, who is the embodiment of
Great Compassion (mahaa-karu.naa) and Great Wisdom (mahaa-
praj~naa), we consider that the purpose of life is to develop
compassion for all living beings without discrimination and to
work for their good, happiness, and peace; and to develop wisdom
leading to the realization of Ultimate Truth.
5. We accept the Four Noble Truths, namely Dukkha, the
Arising of Dukkha, the Cessation of Dukkha, and the Path
leading to the Cessation of Dukkha; and the universal law of
cause and effect as taught in the pratiitya-samutpaada
(Conditioned Genesis or Dependent Origination).
6. We understand, according to the teaching of the Buddha, that
all conditioned things (sa.mskaara) are impermanent
(anitya) and dukkha, and that all conditioned and
unconditioned things (dharma) are without self (anaatma).
7. We accept the Thirty-seven Qualities conducive to Enlightenment
(bodhipak.sa-dharma) as different aspects of the Path taught
by the Buddha leading to Enlightenment.
8. There are three ways of attaining bodhi or Enlightenment,
according to the ability and capacity of each individual: namely
as a disciple (sraavaka), as a Pratyeka-Buddha and as a
Samyak-sam-Buddha (perfectly and Fully Enlightened Buddha). We
accept it as the highest, noblest, and most heroic to follow the
career of a Bodhisattva and to become a Samyak-sam-Buddha in order
to save others.
9. We admit that in different countries there are differences with
regard to the life of Buddhist monks, popular Buddhist beliefs and
practices, rites and ceremonies, customs and habits. These
external forms and expressions should not be confused with the
essential teachings of the Buddha.
Source: Walpola Rahula; The Heritage of the Bhikkhu; (New York,
Grove Press, 1974); pp. 100, 1137-138.
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