Twenty Points of Ethical Conduct

These  points  of  pure  or  ethical  conduct  are  a  combination  of  the 
mi  chos  gtsang  ma  bcu  drug​
sixteen  points   of  pure  conduct  (​ )  that 
were  established  as  an  edict  in  Tibet  by  the  Tibetan  dharma  king 
Songtsen  Gampo,  and   another  slightly  different  list  of  the  sixteen 
points  of  pure  conduct  mentioned  by  Shechen  Gyaltsab  Gyurme 
Pema  Namgyal  Rinpoche (1871­1926) in one of his explanations of 
the nine gradual yanas. 

   
 

1. Cultivate firm faith and trust in the three jewels of buddha, dharma, and
sangha.
2. Seek out the sublime dharma and study and practice it. (This is the
foremost remedy to ignorance.)
3. Become learned in the buddhadharma by studying at an authentic
temple/center.
4. Be measured and balanced in everything you do. (Do not indulge inthe
negative emotion of desire and attachment!)
5. Find good, genuine role models to look up to and do your best to follow
their example.
6. Always remember the kindness of your parents of the three times and
repay the kindness of those who have shown you kindness in the past.
7. Be understanding and broad-hearted towards your siblings and relatives.
8. Respectfully care for and help your elders.
9. Be loving towards your neighbors and do whatever you can to help them.
10.Make every effort to help and benefit in whatever way you can your
relatives, friends, and spiritual teachers.
11. Benefit others through expertise in the various arts and sciences.
12. Lovingly help and protect those who are reliant on you.
13. Avert any negative, harmful plans that people may be making and instead
initiate plans for the flourishing of happiness and well-being in the area,
village, town, country, or beyond.
14. Ensure that your livelihood accords with the dharma and thereby lay the
ground for all of your family and acquaintances to achieve the basis for
enlightenment.
15. Speak honestly and be humble. (Do not fall into the trap of pride!)
16. Repay your loans on time and be honest in your business dealings.
17. Do not be jealous of others. (Instead, rejoice in their good fortune.)
18.Do not be swayed by malicious rumors, but be steadfast and resolute.
19. Speak gently and talk less. (Do not waste your time in gossip and
meaningless chatter.)
20. Be strong, resilient, and have a broad and open mind.
Compiled by Lhasey Lotsawa Translations & Publications under the guidance of Phakchok Rinpoche, July
2013.