Personal development is always telling us the importance of taking action, but not all actions are created equal. What if there was a style of taking action that would always leave you feeling liberated every time?

In Buddhism, the precursor to the path of enlightenment exists in The 5 Precepts. The 5 Precepts help one to reconcile their own morality and dissipate disturbances in their soul, caused by feelings of regret and tension. The precepts are not commandments, rules, or laws laid down by some cosmic authority. Rather, the precepts are vows, or ways of being that act as a foundation towards one’s liberation. There is an inherent morality that exists within human nature. Both Stoicism and Buddhism recognize this. Ignoring or violating the nature of our morality will thus make it impossible to create any sense of inner peace.

The precepts contain both passive and active elements that prime one’s conduct in the world. The typical translations imply the passive side, but just as important is the active side to each. Right and wrong are much of the time, seen as very subjective. However in the spirit of the precepts, “right” is not achieved by the mere absence of wrong. To do right requires us to engage in both the passive and the active elements of our precepts. Simultaneously, only engaging in (or even obsessing about) the active elements of each precept does not absolve one of ignoring the passive side. Both must be taken into consideration in one’s practice. It is about finding a middle way, where both the active and the passive exist in a non-dualistic harmony.  

In Zen Stoic philosophy we refer to these not as precepts, but rather as The 5 Vows of Inspired Action. Dr. Wayne Dyer refers to the term "inspired" as being in spirit because when you are inspired you are living in line with your spirit, your true nature. Marcus Aurelius refers to acting in service of the common good many times in the book, Meditations because he realized that humans (being social animals) were made to cooperate with one another and that we are all interconnected. This is our nature, we survive and thrive because of our ability to cooperate. Thus when action is "inspired" is not only serves the good of the individual but also the good of the collective because it embodies the spirit of our true nature. All actions should be aimed at increasing choice, wholeness, and sovereignty of the self and others.

Key Takeaways:

• Lead with Love

• Be The Source of What You Seek To Experience

• Direct Your Passion Meaningfully 

• Communicate Sincerely and Expansively

• Choose To Be Here Now