What is Z.P.O.
Zen Peacemaker Order (ZPO) is a home for the Zen Peacemaker teachings established by its founders Roshis Bernie Glassman and Jishu Holmes, and founding teachers in Europe and the US. It is dedicated to training and supporting those living a committed life aligned with the vision and teachings of the Zen Peacemakers and the Three Tenets: not knowing, bearing witness and taking action arising from not knowing and bearing witness. Read more about the Three Tenets of the Zen Peacemakers here.

The Zen Peacemaker Order and the Three Tenets are skillful means that were created by Roshi Glassman and Roshi Holmes as an expression of their Buddhist vows to live an awakened life and alleviate suffering – a culmination of 2,500 years of direct transmission by committed practitioners, teacher-to-student, across generations and continents, reaching all the way back to Shakya-Indian master Siddhārtha Gautama, the Buddha

THE RULE OF ZPO
Refuges

Recognizing my place in the Infinite Circle of Life, I take refuge in: Buddha, Oneness, the awakened nature of all beings;

Dharma, Diversity, the ocean of wisdom and compassion; and Sangha, Harmony, the interdependence of oneness and diversity.

The Three Pure Precepts

I vow to do no harm. I vow to do good.

I vow to cultivate the awakened mind for the sake of all beings.

The Three Tenets of the Zen Peacemakers

I will embody Not Knowing, thereby giving up fixed ideas.

I will Bear Witness, opening my heart to the joy and suffering of life.

I will take Loving Action arising out of not-knowing and bearing witness.

The Ten Grave Precepts

  1. Recognizing that I am not separate from all that is, I vow to honor life. This is the precept of Non-Killing.
  2. Recognizing abundance, I vow to appreciate what is and live simply. This is the precept of Non-Stealing.
  3. In the midst of desire and attachment, I vow to encounter all beings with respect and dignity. This is the precept of Not Misusing Sexuality.
  4. Being honest and embodying the truth as I perceive it, I vow to speak from the heart. This is the precept of Non-Lying.
  5. Embracing all experiences directly, I vow to cultivate a clear mind. This is the precept of Not Being Intoxicated.
  6. Showing up with an open heart, I vow to speak without judgment. This is the precept of Not Talking About Others’ Errors and Faults.
  7. Taking full responsibility, I vow to express my truth without guilt or blame. This is the precept of Not Elevating Myself and Blaming Others.
  8. Cultivating generosity, I vow to use all the ingredients of my life. This is the precept of Not Being Stingy.
  9. Transmuting suffering into compassion, I vow to accept and express my emotions without causing harm. This is the precept of Not Holding on to Anger.
  10. Stepping into my life as a Zen Peacemaker, I vow to care for myself and others. This is the precept of Honoring the Three Treasures.

The Five Commitments of the Zen Peacemakers
Based on the Global Ethic Adopted By the 1993 Parliament of the World Religions

  1. I commit myself to work towards a culture of non-violence and reverence for life.
  2. I commit myself to working towards a culture of solidarity and a just economic order.
  3. I commit myself to work towards a culture of inclusiveness and a life based on truthfulness.
  4. I commit myself to work towards a culture of equal rights for all people, respecting and appreciating human diversity.
  5. I commit myself to work towards a culture of sustainability and care for the earth.

The Zen Peacemaker Order and the Three Tenets are skillful means that were created by Roshi Glassman and Roshi Holmes as an expression of their Buddhist vows to live an awakened life and alleviate suffering – a culmination of 2,500 years of direct transmission by committed practitioners, teacher-to-student, across generations and continents, reaching all the way back to Shakya-Indian master Siddhārtha Gautama, the Buddha