A vow is a commitment to do or not do something, which strengthens one’s intention and can also strengthen the effect of one’s action. For example, if one takes a vow not to eat meat for a day in order to practice protecting life, and then one does not eat meat for the day, it is taught that one’s vow strengthens the positive effect of protecting life—it is better and more beneficial than just not eating meat.

Both ordained (monastic) Buddhists and lay Buddhists take vows at different times for different reasons. Monks and nuns have many vows, depending on their lineage and tradition. Sometimes vows can be taken for a single day, or during a practice retreat, while other times vows are taken for one’s whole life, or even for multiple lives.

Keeping a vow is a lot like holding one’s word—we say we are going to do something, and then we do it—demonstrating consistency and reliability, which is a basis for being trustworthy. It is said that the Buddha kept his word so well for so many lifetimes that as a result, his speech was very melodious and magnetizing.

A vow can be made alone or in front of a witness. In some traditions, imagining or visualizing the Buddha as one’s witness and generating faith that the Buddha is present as a witness is considered an excellent way to strengthen the vow, which also increases the benefit of keeping it.

The three types of vows in various Buddhist traditions can be summarized as follows: the Pratimoksha vows serve as a container, providing a basis for discipline. In contrast, the Bodhisattva vows resemble the liquid within, nourishing and filling it with limitless compassion. Finally, the Vajrayana/Tantric vows are like the reflection of this water, revealing its profound and luminous nature.

Setting intentions and being consistent with one’s words and actions creates inner and outer harmony. Choosing to keep a vow is a discipline that helps to shift habits into alignment with one’s values.

Compare the feelings that arise when others are consistent or inconsistent with their words and actions. Based on this, reflect on the value of keeping one’s word.

• How do vows support our actions and behavior?
• Do we feel supported or limited when upholding a vow?

Analyze the logic and purpose of taking vows in Buddhist practice, evaluate how different types of vows (Pratimoksha, Bodhisattva, Vajrayana) support increasing skillful means and wisdom, and implement practices of ethical consistency that align personal commitments with expressed values and stated intentions.