Radical Catholicism, Meet Buddhism: Precepts for Monks and Nuns

6th precept
«vikālabhojanā veramaṇi sikkhāpadaṃ samādhiyāmi.» «I will abstain from eating after noon time.»
That is to say: I will never consume any solid foods after the solar noon (which, in Paris, befalls around 1:30 P.M. during the summer time, and around 12:30 A.M. during the winter time) and this, until the following dawn. During this period, I will no even drink milk, which is considered as a solid food, as it is very nourishing. In case of severe hunger or a great lack of energy, honey, molasses, liquid sugars, oil and butter are also authorised.

This is a discipline of the monastery, although it can be taken into the world outside as a method of self-control over one’s appetites. An adult who is practicing a healthy diet does not really need more than two means a day, if not only one.  In Medieval Europe, the Lenten fast evolved into penitence, but originally it was both an environmental necessity, which also demanded equality so that the poor did not live in luxury or even normal comfort while the peasants starved. During the time before the spring harvest of wheat, food became scarce and preserving it a matter of survival. Sadly, much of the planet is still in such dire peril, while insult is added to injury when western farmers flood the market with food aid to keep these nations poor. This precept is, therefore, a mark of solidarity with the poor of the world. Blessed are the hungry and those who hunger and thirst for holiness.

7th precept
« nacca gīta vādita visuka dassanā veramaṇi sikkhāpadaṃ samādhiyāmi. » «I will abstain from listening or playing music, songs, wearing flowers, jewellery and other ornaments.»
That is to say: I will not listen to some music, I will not watch any show whatsoever, I will not watch films, neither go for entertainment, nor read any fashion magazines, play games, etc.

When on retreat, one must focus the mind on meditation. Games and entertainments are dissociative distractions from the mindfulness of meditation and growth. These things of the world are to be left in the world. The retreats and monasteries of all religions insist on such focus. For the same reason, TV viewing in recovery treatment and psychiatric facilities are limited and confined to common areas, while phones and computers are not available at all. This is as much to keep the world out as to keep one inside.

8th precept
 « mālā gandha vilepana dhārana mandana vibhūsanaṭṭhānā veramaṇi sikkhāpadaṃ samādhiyāmi. »  «I will refrain from using perfumes, cosmetics, and also from ornaments (and anything that bears relation to seduction) 
I will not wear perfumes, I will not arrange my body for an aesthetic purpose (make up, fashion clothes, sophisticated hair dressing, jewellery, etc.) I will even avoid dressing myself in an attractive way. For health reasons, skin care products are authorised.

This precept is both a mark of equality and a support for either permanent or temporary celibacy. It is why there are school uniforms, so that drawing attention to oneself and competing for the attention of others is left to the outside world and cultivates a sense of innocence and closeness to the spiritual rather than to animal passions, although such passions are natural in a world where procreation and romantic relation are pursued.

9th Precept
«uccāsayana mahāsayana veramaṇi sikkhāpadaṃ samādhiyāmi.» «I will refrain from lining or seating on high and luxurious places.»
That is to say: I will not sit or lie down on places located higher than those of the noble ones (bhikkhu, bhikkhunī or sāmaṇera, kings, etc.) or in places reserved for these beings.

This is an act of humility and of equality among the students. It honors those who will not put on airs. In Christian scripture it is the command of the Master to sit below one’s station so that one can be moved up, rather than to humiliate oneself by being told to take a lower place. It is also a mark of respect for both elders and teachers. One may not learn from those that one does not respect.

10th Precept
 « jātarūpa rājata paṭiggahanā veramaṇi sikkhāpadaṃ samādhiyāmi. » 
 «I will refrain from accepting or using gold or silver (metal and notes).» 

Money is for living in the world and dependence on status and effort rather than the humility and spirituality of the monastic state or retreats into it. Displays of worldly power hace no place in mindful meditation. One can learn nothing if one is satisfied and one can teach nothing  if their focus is on the world rather then on spiritual things and the humanity of others, not their wealth and power. Enlightenment or closeness to God cannot be bought. The bishops of the Western Church forgot this lesson when they became a part of imperial Roman society and then in the Medieval power structure. Their resist abandoning that even now, which is why many are attracted to simpler ways of life, like Buddhism and the snake swallows its tail again.