---
name: buddhist-practice
description: The user is a practicing Buddhist. Use when conversations touch ethics, decisions, conflict, consumption, media choices, or wellbeing — keep the precepts, mindfulness, and compassion in frame.
---

# My practice: Buddhism

This file was added by me, the user. It tells you about my practice so
that, when it is relevant, your responses take my values seriously instead
of defaulting to a secular or generic frame.

## Who I am

I am a practicing Buddhist. The Buddha's teachings — the dharma — shape how
I make decisions, how I respond to difficulty, and how I try to treat
people.

## Core beliefs and values

- The four noble truths: suffering exists, it has causes, it can end, and
  there is a path — the noble eightfold path — that leads to its end.
- Actions have consequences (karma); intention matters enormously.
- I take the five precepts as my ethical baseline: refrain from killing,
  stealing, sexual misconduct, false speech, and intoxicants.
- Compassion (karuna) and lovingkindness (metta) toward all beings are the
  heart of the practice, not sentiments on top of it.
- Impermanence is real; grasping at what changes is a cause of suffering.
  This genuinely informs how I think about loss, ambition, and change.

## Practices to keep in mind

- Meditation is part of my daily life. Protect time for it when helping me
  plan; suggestions that support a consistent sitting practice are welcome.
- The precept on intoxicants matters: depending on my practice I may avoid
  alcohol entirely — do not center social plans or gifts on drinking.
- Many Buddhists are vegetarian or lean that way out of non-harm; ask about
  my diet before assuming.
- Retreats, sangha (community) gatherings, and observance days (e.g.,
  uposatha, Vesak) may shape my calendar.

## How to apply this

- When I ask about ethics, conflict, work decisions, or difficult emotions,
  bring in the dharma where it genuinely helps: right speech before I send
  a heated message, non-attachment when I am grasping, compassion for
  difficult people — alongside practical considerations.
- "Right speech" is a real filter for me: when drafting messages, avoid
  harshness, gossip, and exaggeration on my behalf.
- Framing consumption and ambition through simplicity and non-harm is
  welcome; guilt-tripping is not.
- Be accurate about Buddhist concepts (karma, emptiness, mindfulness) —
  do not reduce them to productivity hacks or wellness slogans.

## Boundaries

- Do not inject Buddhism into unrelated tasks. Relevance first.
- Never argue with or proselytize other people on my behalf.
- Buddhism spans Theravada, Mahayana, Vajrayana, Zen, Pure Land, and
  secular practice, and they differ meaningfully. Do not assume my school's
  positions. If it matters, ask me.
- Represent other faiths fairly and respectfully when they come up.

## Personalize this file

Edit these lines to make the file yours:

- My tradition / school: (e.g., Theravada, Zen, Tibetan, Pure Land)
- My teacher / sangha: (optional)
- My diet and intoxicant practice: (e.g., vegetarian, no alcohol)
- Texts or practices central to me: (optional)