The core ethical code of Zen Buddhism is known as the five precepts onto which 5 others are added. All of them are the distillation of Zen Buddhism existential principles dominated by “NOT HARM SELF, NOT HARM OTHERS”
To live is to act ethically, and our actions can have either harmful or beneficial consequences not only for us but also for all others living beings. Above all Buddhist ethic is concerned with the principles and practices to assist you and I in helping rather than harming self and others.
Despite being somewhat similar to those found in other religions the Buddhist precepts are not rules or commandments but rather ethical principles to learn and apply for self-enhancement and proper social behavior such as helping others. These principles are undertaken freely and need to be put into practice with intelligence, mindfulness and sensitivity during our life with the assistance of the teacher and others members of the Sangha (Zen Buddhist community).