THE MINDFUL CODE

The Mindful Code is an ethical framework inspired by secular Buddhism and Stoicism. The goal is to have a happy and peaceful life. You can achieve this by developing wisdom, cultivating calm, and spreading kindness.

Principles

Wise

The first principle in The Mindful Code is to cultivate wisdom. Knowledge is the accumulation of facts; and wisdom is the sound application of knowledge. Dedicate time each day to learning and use that knowledge to help others. As you cultivate wisdom and accumulate facts you must seek the truth. You should question assumptions and seek opposing facts. Any belief you hold must be replaced by facts when you discover them. Wisdom is also knowing that your mind causes much of your suffering in life. Manage your expectations. Express gratitude. Focus on what you can control and influence; and let go of everything else. Understand that everything changes and you must accept reality as it is.

Calm

The second principle in The Mindful Code is to develop calm, mental focus, and clarity through meditation. A calm mind can be developed through practiced concentration. Spend time each day training your mind to focus on one object, like a mantra or your breath. Repeat the mantra: "be wise, be calm, be kind". Concentrate on slowly breathing in and out, and return to the next breath if your mind wanders. This will allow you to gain control of your thoughts and ease your stress and suffering. Use your mental focus to pay attention to the present moment without judgment. Concentrate on controlling your thoughts, abandoning negative mindsets, and cultivating positive ones. Pause before reacting. Think before you speak and exercise moderation and restraint in all you do. Behave morally and ethically. Refrain from stealing and lying. Keep your promises.

Kind

The third principle in The Mindful Code is to be kind. Respect all life. Practice non-violence and compassion toward all living beings. Cultivate thoughts of loving-kindness, compassion, and wisdom toward others. Speak kindly and truthfully; avoid gossip and harsh language. Earn a living ethically and honestly. Act as though your actions have consequences and shape future experiences. Take responsibility; own your actions and their outcomes. Pause before you speak or act, and ask if it is wise, calm, or kind. Surround yourself with like minded people who support each other. Above all, be kind to everyone - including yourself.

Precepts

• Concentration: Develop mental focus and clarity through meditation.
• Mindfulness: Pay attention to the present moment without judgment.
• Choice: Focus on what you can control and influence, and let go of everything else.
• Mindset: Let go of negative thoughts and cultivate positive ones.
• Thought: Cultivate thoughts of goodwill, compassion, and wisdom.
• Acceptance: Embrace change and that nothing is permanent.
• Speech: Speak kindly and truthfully, and avoid gossip and harsh language.
• Moderation: Practice restraint and act with moderation.
• Consequences: Act knowing everything you do has a future consequence.
• Community: Surround yourself with like minded people who support each other.
• Morality: Refrain from killing, stealing, lying, and being unfaithful.
• Deeds: Abstain from harmful actions and treat everyone with kindness.
• Livelihood: Earn a living honestly and without harming living beings.